Sabres get positive update on Connor Hellebuyck trade from Jets

Sabres get positive update on Connor Hellebuyck trade from Jets originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Buffalo Sabres appear to have missed their obvious window to trade for Winnipeg Jets star goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

Reports have indicated the Jets wanted to get the deal done before the NHL Draft so that the Sabres could include the No. 4 overall pick.

The teams couldn’t agree on a price, and so no deal got done.

Former Sabres goalie Martin Biron, who now works in broadcasting covering the team, had thoughts on that this week on local WGR 550.

“I do think that Winnipeg is in a bit of a — kind of a tricky situation here,” Biron said. “Yeah, obviously Hellebuyck can go back to Winnipeg and play for the Jets this year, but are you so far down the road now that it’s like, ‘You know, we’re gonna get Hellebuyck back but he’s not gonna be happy to be here and we should just make the move, right?’ I think that Winnipeg maybe overplayed their hand before the draft. They were demanding, wanted a certain return and maybe the Sabres weren’t willing to give in. I think now it may soften a little bit.”

MORE:How a 3-team Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson trade could work

Then came the kicker line from Biron.

It’s “still a possibility” that Hellebuyck joins the Sabres before the season ahead, Biron said in that radio appearance.

Sabres fans would obviously enjoy having the gold medalist and multi-time Vezina Trophy winner coming to Western New York.

Indications were that Hellebuyck was willing to waive his no-trade clause to come to town, which is crucial to getting any deal done, of course.

It could be a matter of Hellebuyck winning his staring contest with the Jets.

Coming off a magical season, the Sabres would look even more formidable if they upgrade to Hellebuyck in net.

More NHL news: