New Reports Name Sabres, Rangers Among Frontrunners for Connor Hellebuyck

The Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers are among the clubs linked to Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck ahead of an impending deadline. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on his 32 Thoughts podcast that Hellebuyck's team-issued suspension for leaving without permission expires on Friday, October 23. This leaves the Jets with a looming decision to either trade the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, pay him to stay away, or allow him back.

Buffalo reportedly remains a preferred destination that Hellebuyck is willing to join, potentially involving goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in a permanent trade return. Meanwhile, the Rangers' pursuit may depend on Chris Drury's response to an injury to Igor Shesterkin, with the Utah Mammoth, Carolina Hurricanes, and Los Angeles Kings also mentioned as peripheral contenders.