Connor Hellebuyck was nearly acquired by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2026 NHL Offseason. The Avalanche were suspected of taking a shot at the Winnipeg Jets goaltender, according to Elliotte Friedman.
What happened?
The Avalanche had a busy offseason, re-signing Brett Kulak and signing Jordan Schwartz, but they also considered a major trade for Hellebuyck.
Why it matters for Connor Hellebuyck
Hellebuyck was a key target for the Avalanche, who were looking to upgrade their goaltending situation. The team would have had to offer a significant package to acquire him.
What comes next?
The Avalanche may still be interested in acquiring Hellebuyck, but they would need to clear cap space to fit his $8.5 million cap hit. This could involve trading away players like Artturi Lehkonen or Nicolas Roy.
The Buffalo Sabres also made a strong offer for Hellebuyck, including the fourth overall pick and starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The Avalanche would have struggled to match this offer.
The Avalanche's goaltending situation is still a concern, and they may look to address it in the future. Hellebuyck remains a top target, but the team would need to make significant changes to their roster to acquire him.
Elliotte Friedman reported that the Avalanche were suspected of taking a shot at Hellebuyck, but it's unclear how far the talks progressed. The team would have had to offer a significant package to acquire him.
The 2026 NHL Offseason has been busy, with many teams making significant moves. The Avalanche were one of the most active teams, but they may still be looking to make a big splash.
Hellebuyck is a Hart Trophy winner and one of the top goaltenders in the NHL. He would be a significant addition to the Avalanche roster, but the team would need to clear cap space to fit his contract.
The Avalanche may still be interested in acquiring Hellebuyck, and they could look to make a move in the future. For now, the team will have to wait and see what happens next.
The NHL offseason is always full of surprises, and the Avalanche's pursuit of Hellebuyck is just one example. The team will look to address their goaltending situation in the future, and Hellebuyck remains a top target.