Connor Hellebuyck may want out of Winnipeg and if he does the Toronto Maple Leafs are a top destination at least if you believe Elliotte Friedman.
There's been an collective effort from a lot of American players to change their scenery this year and we've seen names like Brady Tkachuk already dealt, with names like Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski also looking for new places to play. It makes sense that they want to win given a lot of them won gold in 2026, but it's making a league already without parity even more one-sided.
The newest name added to the list though he's been bouncing around rumours sporadically is Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He's signed until 2031 and costs $8.5-million per season so that's a lot of money and commitment to a goalie who struggled this year.
Maple Leafs a team to keep an eye on if Connor Hellebuyck decides to leave Winnipeg
Hellebuyck, 32, posted a 23-23-11 record with the Jets this season with an .895 SV% and 2.86 GAA, but for his career has been stellar. In 625 games (615 starts) he has a 348-205-48 record with a 2.58 GAA and .916 SV% and three Vezina Trophies and someone who is no doubt one of the elite goalies the entire world.
But apparently he's not too happy with his situation in Winnipeg and may want out. If that's the case, then one team to keep an eye on is the Toronto Maple Leafs according to Elliotte Friedman, and with news they are going after Sergei Bobrovsky - they want to make a goaltending splash:
I'm not saying this is going to happen for sure, but don't be surprised if you hear Connor Hellebuyck's name come up with the Leafs. I hear him and Matthews have a great relationship.
But with that news that Toronto wants to get really beefed up in net, there's no one better than Hellebuyck and his relationship with captain Auston Matthews no doubt is going to play a factor - especially with the knowledge that all these players in trade talks are close friends.
Toronto targeting a goaltender despite already having a logjam in the crease
Though they ended up trading Joseph Woll to Philadelphia, if they were to bring in a new goalie it means that another needs to be shipped out. Toronto acquired Samuel Ersson in the deal with Philly and he could be on the outs, or there may be a team who feels Anthony Stolarz will help them.
Though it might have to come down to one of the young goalies, and if the Maple Leafs are so confident and feel there's something special with Artur Akhtyamov then there's one name who stands out above the rest.
Dennis Hildeby could be the latest casualty, as the goaltender needs to go through waivers if he gets sent down and his spot is in jeopardy if Toronto brings in some veteran help. That would only make his already disgruntled nature more frustrated and he could ask for a way out if he feels he can be better elsewhere.
It's clear that John Chayka doesn't care about age or money because he wouldn't be targeting Bobrovsky if that was the case. Knowing that Hellebuyck might be available is huge although it could come at a big price be it Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan, or Ben Danford among premium picks - a huge price for a huge asset.
But if Hellebuyck comes in and holds down the fort while Toronto's superstars and revamped defensive game can give him much more protection then it could be the difference maker between a first-round exit and a Stanley Cup berth.
Should the Maple Leafs go after Connor Hellebuyck as their starter?
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