Connor Hellebuyck major trade proposal features three players and two picks

An IceMetrix mock trade sends Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck to the Sabres for Jiri Kulich, Peyton Krebs, Radim Mrtka and two picks.

The picks would be a 2028 second-rounder and a 2027 third-rounder.

Elliotte Friedman has said Buffalo, and maybe Utah, remain the most likely landing spots, and that Hellebuyck would waive to go to Buffalo.

Winnipeg should take something close to this. A young NHL forward, a prospect and picks beat the most awkward reunion in hockey.

It's like selling concert tickets an hour before the show. You won't get face value, but you get something instead of nothing.

Hellebuyck's suspension is set to end Friday, according to Friedman.

Kulich has 3 points and a game-winner on an $886,666 cap hit, and he's still developing.

Buffalo Sabres Mock Trade for Connor Hellebuyck

WPG
- Jiri Kulich
- Peyton Krebs
- Radim Mrtka
- 2028 2nd Round Pick
- 2027 3rd Round Pick

BUF
- Connor Hellebuyck

WHO SAYS NO?

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Connor Hellebuyck trade proposal sends Jets goalie to Sabres

Krebs has 4 assists on a $4,500,000 cap hit but no goals.

Kulich and Krebs combine for $5,386,666, while Hellebuyck carries an $8,500,000 cap hit.

That leaves Buffalo adding $3,113,334 in cap before accounting for Mrtka.

Mrtka would give Winnipeg a longer-term piece on top of the two roster players.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen sits at .860, and Colten Ellis is at .864.

Friedman has also reported Luukkonen has Winnipeg on his no-trade list, which explains why no goalie goes back in this version.

Buffalo is 4-3-2 and has allowed 34 goals in nine games.

Tage Thompson leads the Sabres with 5 goals, and Chris Johnston has also listed Buffalo among the likeliest suitors.

Rasmus Dahlin is also day-to-day with an upper-body injury on the back end.

Winnipeg is 4-2-2, with Stuart Skinner at .906.

Jarmo Kekalainen would be betting that one goalie fixes what Lindy Ruff's group has struggled with all month.

Would Kevin Cheveldayoff rather take this now, or gamble on a better offer before Friday?

The Jets visit St. Louis tonight and Dallas on Thursday, while Buffalo hosts Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Friday is coming fast. Whether it's this package or another one, Winnipeg is running out of reasons to wait.

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