Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets goaltender, is reportedly available, and the Buffalo Sabres came close to acquiring him ahead of the NHL Draft.

What happened?

The Sabres offered the fourth overall pick, a player believed to be Jack Quinn, and "perhaps another ask" but were unable to get the deal over the finish line.

Why it matters for Connor Hellebuyck

Hellebuyck is a year removed from capturing the Vezina Trophy, recognizing him as the game's best goaltender, and the Hart Trophy, the NHL's equivalent to the MVP award.

He turned in a disappointing season by his lofty standards, with a knee injury and fatigue from competing in the Olympics, where he backstopped the United States to a gold medal.

What comes next?

The Sabres must consider how much of Hellebuyck's disappointing season was due to injury and exhaustion versus a decline in play.

Winnipeg suffered a significant drop-off defensively last season, which, coupled with the aforementioned injury and fatigue, made for a disappointing season.

The American still has all of the tools that led to his award-winning campaigns and in a new setting, such as Buffalo, would have a chance to prove as much.

The Sabres returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2011, led by a young core, and for them to take that next step into Stanley Cup contention, they must upgrade a goalie position that allowed a 12.3 shooting percentage to opposing teams.

There are few upgrades better than Hellebuyck, and even if it requires a top prospect and Quinn in return, it is a win-now move, the likes of which the organization has not been in a position to make in over a decade.

Elliotte Friedman added on his *32 Thoughts* podcast that he heard the deal wasn't over, and the teams are still talking about it.

Hellebuyck's average goals against were the worst of the last four years, with 162 allowed goals, the most since the 2021-22 season.

The Sabres' pursuit of Hellebuyck is a significant development in the NHL trade rumors, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out ahead of the 2026 free agency.

David Pagnotta reported on *NHL Tonight* that the Sabres' offer was close, but ultimately unsuccessful, in acquiring Hellebuyck.

The NHL Draft has come and gone, but the trade rumors surrounding Hellebuyck continue to swirl, with the Sabres still in the mix to acquire the talented goaltender.

Hellebuyck's future with the Jets is uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether he will be traded to the Sabres or another team ahead of the 2026 free agency.