Hints About Why Sabres Missed Connor Hellebuyck

The Buffalo Sabres missed out on trading for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who was instead dealt to the New Jersey Devils on Friday. Heavy's Billy Heyen suggests that reporting regarding the Carolina Hurricanes' failed pursuit provides hints as to why Buffalo fell short, noting that Winnipeg prioritized immediate forward help that contending suitors were likely reluctant to part with.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Carolina sought three-team trade options because Winnipeg desired forward contributors that the Hurricanes refused to give up. The writer argues that Buffalo likely faced the same dilemma, leaving the Sabres to rely on current goaltenders Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis.