Connor Hellebuyck has asked to leave the Winnipeg Jets, and the league’s rumor mill has settled on a single team as the most likely landing spot: the Carolina Hurricanes.
That is the takeaway from Elliotte Friedman’s latest update, per Sportsnet. The longtime NHL insider says the Hurricanes are currently the “most motivated pursuer” in a potential trade for Hellebuyck. The deal would send the Jets’ longtime starter to the Stanley Cup champions, who just finished their championship run and are now looking ahead to the 2026-27 season.
But the path to that trade is not straightforward. It runs through Alexander Nikishin, a restricted free agent defenseman who plays for the Hurricanes. And it involves a change of representation that has created a window for teams to talk to him.
What Friedman Said About Carolina
Friedman’s statement is direct. “Right now, Carolina is the most motivated pursuer,” he wrote.
The motivation comes from a few directions. The Hurricanes have fresh hardware from their recent championship. They need to keep building around it. And they have a player they can move to help make that happen.
The trade scenario would involve a three-way dance. Nikishin would be the third piece. Teams are reportedly already talking to him, and the suspicion is that the Hurricanes want to see if there is a deal to be made.
How Nikishin Fits Into the Picture
Nikishin is the key variable. He is a restricted free agent, which means his rights are controlled by the Hurricanes. That status gives the Hurricanes leverage in any trade discussion involving Hellebuyck.
If Nikishin wanted to sign in Winnipeg, the trade would already be done. Hellebuyck would be heading to Manitoba immediately.
There is also a salary component to the negotiations. Sources told Friedman that Nikishin is believed to be looking for a $9 million annual average value over five years. Some sources reached out to say they think that number could be lower in the right situation.
Nikishin recently changed agents, and that shift has allowed other teams to speak to him. Those conversations are happening now, and they could shape what the Hurricanes ultimately decide to do.
The Numbers Behind Hellebuyck’s Career
Hellebuyck has appeared in 625 career NHL games. He has 345 career victories, with a goals-against average of 2.58.
During the 2025-26 season, the Jets goaltender started 57 games for the team.
Those numbers are solid. Hellebuyck has been a reliable presence in net for Winnipeg for years. His contract still has five seasons left on it.
But the relationship has clearly cooled. Hellebuyck asked for a trade several months ago.
The Trade Request and the Suspension
Hellebuyck announced on August 27 that he had requested a trade away from the Jets. He made the request “several months ago,” according to his own announcement.
That request came with consequences. Hellebuyck was suspended for not joining the team for training camp.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has kept the door open. He said the door remains open for Hellebuyck to return. Cheveldayoff also said on September 17 that Hellebuyck remains “part of our family until he’s not part of our family,” per NHL.com.
That is a notable stance. Cheveldayoff is not forcing Hellebuyck to stay, but he is not rushing to move him either. The GM wants to wait and see what develops.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Several months ago | Hellebuyck requests a trade |
| August 27 | Hellebuyck announces trade request |
| September 17 | Cheveldayoff speaks about Hellebuyck’s future |
Why the Hurricanes Are Motivated
The Hurricanes have just won a championship. They are entering a season with high expectations. And they have a player they can move to improve their roster.
Hellebuyck fits that profile. He is a proven commodity in net. He has a strong track record with the Jets. And he has expressed a desire to leave.
The trade would also solve a problem for the Hurricanes. Nikishin is a restricted free agent, and the Hurricanes can control his rights. By including him in a deal, they could move him to a team that wants him while getting Hellebuyck in return.
That is the logic behind Friedman’s assessment. The Hurricanes are the team most interested in making this trade happen.
The Situation Is Far From Settled
Nothing is official yet. The Jets have not traded Hellebuyck. The Hurricanes have not made an offer. Nikishin’s status remains unclear.
The rumor mill is full of possibilities, but the actual deal is not on the board. The Jets are still holding onto Hellebuyck, and Cheveldayoff has made that clear.
The situation will likely play out over the coming weeks. Teams will continue to talk to Nikishin. The Hurricanes will weigh their options. And Hellebuyck will remain in limbo until something changes.
For now, the Hurricanes are the team to watch. They are the most motivated pursuer, according to Friedman. Whether that motivation turns into a trade remains to be seen.
The whole situation hinges on a restricted free agent changing agents. That is a rather bureaucratic way to end up trading for a star goalie. But that is the reality of the NHL rumor mill. Deals often come down to paperwork and timing as much as talent and fit.
The Jets have five seasons left on Hellebuyck’s contract. Cheveldayoff has said the door is open. And the Hurricanes are waiting in the wings.
Time will tell if Hellebuyck ends up in Wolfpack country. For now, the rumor is just that: a rumor.
Source material: “NHL rumors: The 'most motivated pursuer' in potential Connor Hellebuyck trade,” Yahoo Sports.
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