Golden Knights Can’t Afford to Ignore Connor Hellebuyck’s Availability – The Hockey Writers – Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights have never been shy about making a splash when they believe it can put them closer to a Stanley Cup. They may have another opportunity to do exactly that.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck publicly confirmed his trade request last week after initially asking for a move privately several months ago. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner is under contract through the 2030-31 season with an $8.5 million cap hit, making him one of the biggest names potentially on the trade market.

While Vegas has not been officially linked to Hellebuyck, it is easy to see why the team could have interest. The Golden Knights just reached the Stanley Cup Final, and while there are plenty of areas where they could improve, upgrading in goal could be the type of move that takes an already competitive roster to another level.

The problem, as always, is what it would cost.

A Potential Trade

One proposal that could make sense for both sides could look something like this:

Golden Knights Receive:
Connor Hellebuyck

Jets Receive:
Adin Hill
Tomas Hertl
2028 first-round pick
2029 second-round pick

Vegas would be giving up two established NHL players and a pair of significant draft assets, while Winnipeg would receive immediate help at two important positions rather than just collecting prospects and picks.

Hill would give the Jets an experienced NHL goaltender to help replace Hellebuyck. He carries a $6.25 million cap hit through 2030-31, so Winnipeg would be taking on a significant contract, but it would at least have an NHL-caliber starter in place.

Hertl would likely be the bigger prize from Winnipeg’s perspective. The 32-year-old center recorded 58 points in 82 games last season and remains a productive top-nine forward. His $8.1375 million cap hit runs through 2029-30, meaning the Jets would also be acquiring a veteran who could immediately slot into their lineup.

Add in a first and second-round pick, and Winnipeg would have a pretty substantial return for its franchise goaltender. The problem for Winnipeg lies in the fact that they only have $4.481 million in cap space; trading Hellebuyck would give the Jets $12.98 million in cap space, though.

Why Vegas Would Do It

The Golden Knights’ side of the equation is simple: Hellebuyck is a massive upgrade in net if he is able to return to his usual form. The 33-year-old has won three Vezina Trophies throughout his career. He also represented the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, helping the team win gold.

Like with most trades, there is certainly risk involved. Hellebuyck struggled during the 2025-26 season, posting a .895 save percentage, and that can’t be ignored when considering a trade that would leave Vegas with five more seasons of his contract.

If Hellebuyck returns to anything close to his Vezina-level form, the Golden Knights could suddenly have one of the league’s premier goaltenders behind an experienced roster that already knows how to win in the playoffs.

A Significant Cost for Vegas

Hertl is not just an expendable depth player; he’s an important part of Vegas’ forward group and has produced 128 points in 161 games with the Golden Knights. Losing him would create another hole for the Golden Knights to address, specifically down the middle.

There is also the matter of giving up a first and second-round pick for a 33-year-old goaltender. It’s a significant price for a player who is coming off a down season, even if he is one of the best in the league. This is where the Golden Knights have to decide what kind of team they want to be.

Vegas is nowhere near a rebuild, nor are they waiting three or four years for their prospects to mature. The Golden Knights have continuously tried to build a roster designed to compete, and Hellebuyck would represent a chance to strengthen one of the most important positions on the roster.

The cap implications would also benefit Vegas. They would send out Hill’s $6.25 million cap hit and Hertl’s $8.1375 million hit, which equals more than $14.3 million in annual cap hits. This wouldn’t mean the Golden Knights suddenly have unlimited cap space, but it does make the financial side of the trade significantly more manageable.

Would Vegas Actually Pull the Trigger?

This is where the trade proposal becomes a bit of a difficult decision rather than the most obvious one. If Hellebuyck were coming off his 2024-25 season with his 2.00 goals-against average and .925 save percentage, Vegas would likely be willing to pay an enormous price to acquire him. However, with the Golden Knights placing a bit of a bet on a bounce-back from Hellebuyck, it’s more of a risk.

Vegas has never been afraid to take a risk when the Stanley Cup is on the line. Hellebuyck could be the final major piece that earns the Golden Knights a second Stanley Cup, which would be more than worth it.