Connor Hellebuyck’s future with the Winnipeg Jets is suddenly in question after a turbulent 2025-26 campaign and a summer of trade speculation.
What happened to Connor Hellebuyck in 2025-26?
Hellebuyck, 33, just capped a roller-coaster season in Winnipeg. He led the United States to Olympic gold in February, beating Canada in the final. But his club struggled all year, and his own numbers slid: a .895 save percentage—the worst of his career—and 2.86 goals allowed per game. Hellebuyck missed time with injury and often faced leaky defense, yet still managed to win the 2025 Hart Memorial Trophy after Winnipeg claimed the Presidents’ Trophy.
Why is Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg suddenly uncertain?
The Jets’ poor season left the club looking for answers. On the 32 Thoughts podcast on 13 Jul 2026, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported “a lot” of offseason noise around Hellebuyck. Trade requests or organizational moves aren’t confirmed, but the chatter is loud enough that potential suitors are already circling. Hellebuyck isn’t a free agent, yet the market for an elite goaltender with recent hardware feels real.
Which teams could land Connor Hellebuyck this summer?
Three clubs stand out. The Florida Panthers may chase Hellebuyck if Sergei Bobrovsky departs; the net is wide open in Sunrise. The Vegas Golden Knights need a proven No. 1 after Carter Hart’s struggles in the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals, and Hellebuyck has the pedigree to get them back to the promised land. Then there’s Detroit: Hellebuyck hails from Michigan, and the Red Wings—busy with Dylan Larkin’s trade request—could pair him with John Gibson for a formidable tandem.
What comes next for Hellebuyck and the Jets?
Nothing is decided yet. Hellebuyck can still steer the Jets’ crease, but the Jets may explore options to reset their goaltending hierarchy. If a blockbuster emerges, Hellebuyck could wear a new uniform before the puck drops on 2026-27. For now, the only certainty is the offseason’s heat around the league’s top American goaltender.