Jets Face Hellebuyck Trade Standoff in Winnipeg

The Winnipeg Jets are managing a trade standoff with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck after the star netminder continued his holdout, while NHL insiders said on Oct. 12, 2026 that the organization is seeking a resolution and rival teams are monitoring the situation.

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff previously said Hellebuyck remained valued by the organization, but NHL insider David Pagnotta said some people within Winnipeg want the dispute resolved.

"A member of the family until he isn't anymore" said Kevin Cheveldayoff, general manager.

Hellebuyck has forfeited more than half a million dollars in salary this season, according to the contract-loss tracker Hellebucks.com. The Jets have started 3-1-1 and allowed 15 goals through five games, according to nhlrumors.com.

"A lot of people within that organization" said David Pagnotta, NHL insider.

Pagnotta also said Winnipeg has gained flexibility because other goaltenders have helped the team early in the season. The Jets have won three of their first five games, including victories over the Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins, without Hellebuyck.

"And what about Connor Hellebuyck? Right now, advantage Winnipeg, as both goaltenders are winning games. Whether it’s Stewart Skinner or the, the newly acquired off waivers, Clay Stevenson.

Both are playing well, and if you’re Kevin Cheveldayoff right now, that is music to your ears. Both because it’s a big season for the Winnipeg Jets to get back to their graces, and two, you’re not forced into making any deal right now." said Jeff Marek, analyst.

Jeff Marek asked whether Winnipeg still needed a goaltender in a potential Hellebuyck trade if Skinner and Stevenson continued performing well. Pagnotta said the Jets could adjust their demands.

"Yeah, no, you don’t have to. You can sit back and wait, and it gives you the luxury of waiting even more. You know, for this group, they keep going. They can, you know, if you’re Cheveldayoff, you say the only thing that switches maybe is you go okay instead of two immediate pieces in a package; I’ll take one, but the other pieces are going to be amplified." said David Pagnotta, NHL insider.

Pagnotta said potential trade destinations include the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres and Utah Mammoth, while naming the San Jose Sharks as a possible dark-horse option. He also discussed whether a goaltender return would be necessary.

"Does it numb the idea that Winnipeg has to have a goalie coming back in the trade if Skinner and Stevenson continue to perform?" said Jeff Marek, analyst.

"No. Yeah, I don’t think they need it. Now it depends situationally with, with like I just, I was just mentioning Utah.

I think Utah’s still lurking in the weeds. (Karel) Vejmelka would have to be part of the mix for sure. If it’s Carolina, I don’t know if you necessarily need a goaltender back. It’s (Alexander) Nikishin.

Nikishin is the piece they’re dangling in order to go out there and get other pieces that they can package up to send to Winnipeg." said David Pagnotta, NHL insider.

According to nhlrumors.com, Winnipeg could remain patient with trade talks because its current goaltending situation has reduced the immediate need for a replacement.