LeBrun: Hellebuyck won't approve a trade to Canada
Pierre LeBrun reported that Connor Hellebuyck will not waive his no-move clause to join a Canadian team, which ends speculation about Edmonton. Carolina and Buffalo remain linked to Hellebuyck, with Carolina interested but not feeling pressure to raise its offer because Winnipeg lacks leverage. Hellebuyck is suspended without pay after failing to report to camp and is under contract through 2030-31 at $8.5 million per season.
LeBrun’s report rules out every Canadian club, not only Edmonton, because Hellebuyck will not waive his no-move protection for a Canadian team. Carolina and Buffalo continue to be mentioned as possible destinations, though Carolina sees no reason to raise its current offer while Winnipeg lacks leverage.
Hellebuyck is suspended without pay after failing to report to camp. He is signed through 2030-31 at $8.5 million per season. Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has offered no timeline, saying the process could take an undefined while. Stuart Skinner has helped the Jets go 2-0-1, while Edmonton has allowed almost five goals per game.
The unresolved situation could affect Winnipeg’s dressing room and fans, as the Jets weigh a diminished return against keeping a suspended star. Supporters in Carolina or Buffalo may debate whether acquiring Hellebuyck justifies the cost and risk. The case may also influence how players and clubs view no-move protections and training-camp absences. For Edmonton and other Canadian teams, the report could shift attention from a marquee fix to internal options.