The Carolina Hurricanes remain interested in trading for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, sources told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
Hellebuyck asked to be traded in his exit meeting this offseason, went public with the request in August, and is now suspended by the team for failing to report to training camp. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said Thursday that he won't rush a potential trade. "I just want to get this right," he stated.
The Hurricanes reportedly made an offer to the Jets in June that included a first-round pick and defenseman Alexander Nikishin. It's unclear if a similar offer still stands, but Nikishin is also reportedly seeking a trade. He's an unsigned restricted free agent and was absent on the first day of Hurricanes camp.
Nikishin, 24, is a 6-foot-3 left-shot defenseman. He tallied 33 points in 81 games last season, finishing seventh in Calder Trophy voting.
Hellebuyck has five years left on his contract with an $8.5-million cap hit. His deal also features a full no-movement clause for this season before becoming a 10-team trade list July 1, 2027.
The 33-year-old has been one of the best goaltenders of the past decade, winning three Vezina Trophies, two Jennings Trophies, and the 2025 Hart Trophy. He's coming off his worst NHL season in which he posted an .895 save percentage in 57 games, but he did lead Team USA to a gold medal at the 2026 Olympics with an iconic performance in the final against Canada.
The reigning Stanley Cup champions are set to enter the season with Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov forming a tandem between the pipes. Frederik Andersen, who played a pivotal role in helping the Hurricanes reach the Cup Final, signed with the Edmonton Oilers in the offseason.
