FORT LAUDERDALE — Connor Hellebuyck officially confirmed Thursday that he had requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, reigniting speculation about a move to the Florida Panthers — but the defending Stanley Cup champions have already filled their crease and lack the cap space or trade assets to make a deal, Florida Hockey Now reported.
Hellebuyck’s public statement Thursday formalized a request made at the end of last season. Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has been fielding offers for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2026 Olympic Gold winning goalie throughout the offseason, including a potential deal to Buffalo that may be renewed before the season opens. The 31-year-old carries a cap hit of $8.5 million on a seven-year contract extension signed in 2023, with five years remaining — giving the Jets no urgency to move him at a discount.
The Panthers, meanwhile, addressed their goaltending months ago. With Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov both hitting free agency, general manager Bill Zito traded with Vegas for backup Akira Schmid before securing Jacob Markstrom in a second deal with New Jersey. Both goalies have two years remaining under contract, and the Panthers have committed $8 million to the tandem — $6 million of that to Markstrom.
Even a theoretical swap of Markstrom to Winnipeg faces obstacles. Markstrom’s 20-team no-trade list kicked in July 1, and Winnipeg is likely on it, Florida Hockey Now noted. The Panthers are right up against the salary cap with little in the way of trade assets Zito would be willing to part with.
Unlike other star players who have forced quick moves, Hellebuyck holds no contractual hammer with five years left on his deal. Florida Hockey Now contrasted his situation with Brady Tkachuk, who told Ottawa not to expect a long-term extension and was moved while the Senators could maximize the return. Cheveldayoff can afford to wait for a franchise-altering haul — one that was never going to come from the Panthers.
The Panthers open training camp Sept. 17 in Fort Lauderdale, with their preseason beginning Sept. 20 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Florida’s regular season starts Sept. 29 at Carolina at 5 p.m. on ESPN, followed by the home opener Oct. 10 against the Minnesota Wild at 6 p.m.