After making his trade request public, Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck is continuing to generate a good amount of trade interest around the NHL. According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, and Utah Mammoth are the three frontrunners in the Hellebuyck sweepstakes right now. "The Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres and Utah Mammoth are among the possibilities on the Connor Hellebuyck trade front," LeBrun wrote.
LeBrun also reported that the Florida Panthers made a serious push for Hellebuyck earlier in the offseason but are no longer in the mix after acquiring goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils. Hearing that the Hurricanes are interested in Hellebuyck is understandable, as they lost Frederik Andersen to the Edmonton Oilers in free agency. They also stand out as a prime fit for Hellebuyck, as they are the reigning Stanley Cup champions and he wants to play for a contender.
The Sabres have three NHL-caliber goalies in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis. Yet, none of these three are game-changing starters, so it is easy to understand why the Sabres want to acquire Hellebuyck. He would be a massive addition to their roster as they look to cement themselves as true contenders.
As for the Mammoth, they acquired exciting goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa from the Detroit Red Wings earlier this summer, but he is not proven at the NHL level. Due to this, it is also understandable that Utah wants to bring in Hellebuyck. He would be a major upgrade over Karel Vejmelka as Utah's starting goalie and would be a great mentor for Cossa to have around.
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