Hurricanes, Panthers emerge as top trade fits for $59M Jets star

The Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has found his name among trade rumors even though he has five seasons remaining with the team. While the Winnipeg Jets continue to explore different options for the star goalie, it seems the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers have emerged as potential landing spots.CategoryDetailsPlayerConnor HellebuyckCurrent TeamWinnipeg JetsRumored TeamsFlorida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple LeafsContract Status5 Years Remaining (UFA in 2031, Full NMC)Salary Cap Hit (New Team)$8,500,000 Average Annual Value (AAV)Trade LikelihoodHigh (Driven by team exploring roster changes after a frustrating season)Latest Insider UpdateCarolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers have emerged as potential landing spots for the star goaltender ahead of the new seasonPotential ReturnStarting-caliber goalie, top-six forward or No. 2 center, top prospect, and high-end draft capital.Which teams are interested in Connor Hellebuyck?In the last few weeks, a number of rival teams have been linked to the Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.As per NHL insiders, it seems the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers could be making a move for him, ahead of the new season, even though nothing has been confirmed yet.What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?A few hours ago, Paul Kasabian of the Bleacher Report wrote in a recent report, “Hellebuyck is on a seven-year, $59.5 million contract that runs through 2030-31. He obviously figured into the Jets' long-term plans when the contract began in 2024, but Winnipeg has to figure out its future after a down season. Hellebuyck, in theory, could lead to a treasure trove of players and draft assets that can get the team back on the right track. “Paul Kasabian of the Bleacher Report added, “Both the 'Canes and Panthers make sense. Carolina just won the Stanley Cup and obviously wants to keep its Stanley Cup window wide open. The Panthers, who were back-to-back Stanley Cup champs in 2024 and 2025, just missed the playoffs and obviously want to get back in the postseason picture ASAP.”Contract details and salary cap implicationsFor the Winnipeg Jets, trading for Connor Hellebuyck would instantly clear up a whopping $8.5 million in annual cap space if the team trades him without retaining salary since he still has five years left with the team.How could the trade impact the teams?For the Carolina Hurricanes, trading for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck seems affordable as the team has over $11.1 million in cap space.For the Florida Panthers, trading for Connor Hellebuyck seems unaffordable but the star goaltender replaces departing star Sergei Bobrovsky with another elite starter.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.