All-world Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck had a season to remember. He won Olympic gold in Milano-Cortina, fully cementing his legacy as the best goalie of his generation.
But as much as Hellebuyck has shown he’s the best in the business, his team’s awful season left the 32-year-old with so many unanswered questions.
Hellebuyck’s demeanor during his end-of-season media availability set off alarm bells everywhere. Almost immediately, speculation began about Hellebuyck’s desire to remain in Winnipeg, especially if the team cannot rebound from its tough season.
That situation has fueled chatter regarding the possibility of a trade. While the prevailing narrative is that no such thing will ever happen, well, reality could differ greatly from the official talking points.
If Hellebuyck were ever to lead Winnipeg to trade him, such a deal could destroy the NHL trade market. After all, what could any team looking to acquire the NHL’s best goalie pay?
On the surface, the Jets’ asking price for Hellebuyck would have to be stratospheric. But then again, stars with full no-trade clauses generally control their destinies, making it virtually impossible for their teams to maintain any leverage.
Hellebuyck Trade Could Happen after 2026-27 season
Heading into next season, the former Vezina Trophy winner will hit the final year of his full no-trade clause. That situation means that, if Hellebuyck really wanted out now, he would have full control over any deal.
That is hardly the environment in which the Jets would envision pulling off such a deal. The team would have zero leverage, clearly undermining the potential for a sizeable return.
But that situation will change in 2027. On July 1, 2027, Hellebuyck’s full no-trade clause morphs into a 10-team no-trade list. That situation would give the Jets enormous flexibility to make a deal happen.
Since the Jets goalie can only block a trade to 10 teams, 22 others could compete for his services. And that situation favors Winnipeg much more.
The only question would be knowing which teams would be on Hellebuyck’s no-trade list.
Jets Face Crucial Season in 2026-27
It’s so easy to forget that the Jets are one year removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy. They made it out of the first round in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, falling to the Dallas Stars in the second round.
Last season should have been the precursor to a tremendous season this year. However, the Jets sank to the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Yes, the Jets rebounded in the second half of the season, but they just couldn’t make up the ground to return to the playoffs.
And that’s what unleashed Hellebuyck’s public frustration.
Moving forward, the Jets will face a crucial season in 2026-27. If the organization can’t turn things around, pressure could mount from unhappy players. There may even be further pressure to rebuild the lineup.
Perhaps this year’s playoff miss is just an aberration. That’s why the Jets will face increasing scrutiny this offseason. They’ll need to show the fanbase, and the NHL as a whole, that they’re ready to make a serious run at a playoff spot next season.
Hellebuyck Deal Could Destroy NHL Trade Market