Sabres’ Connor Hellebuyck Trade Update Raises New 3-Year Narrative

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Buffalo Sabres previously attempted to trade for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck in the summer of 2023. While Buffalo was widely linked to Hellebuyck before he was ultimately traded by the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils, Friedman reported that the two franchises took a extensive look at a deal three years prior before talks dissolved.

Billy Heyen writes that acquiring Hellebuyck back in 2023 would have significantly altered Buffalo's trajectory, noting the goalie won consecutive Vezina Trophies following those talks. Heyen argues that while a permanent trade would have improved the Sabres immediately, it also could have cost valuable young roster pieces and draft capital.