Insiders Weigh in On Sabres’ Rumored Interest in Hellebuyck
The future of netminder Connor Hellebuyck with the Winnipeg Jets remains uncertain. As the team goes through what is expected to be some sizeable offseason changes, and as the goaltender approaches unrestricted free agency next July, whether he stays with the Jets or winds up elsewhere before then is unclear. Speculation surrounds the 30-year-old, with the New Jersey Devils and the Buffalo Sabres emerging as potential suitors if a blockbuster trade were on the table.
The Sabres, in particular, are rumored to have interest and could greatly benefit from landing a proven number-one goalie to boost their playoff aspirations, notes multiple journalists and insiders.
As per a report from The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Eric Duhatschek, the Sabres have a genuine interest in acquiring Hellebuyck. Landing a goalie of his caliber could take them one step farther along their path to be considered serious contenders, while also providing a mentor and insurance policy for promising young prospect, Devon Levi. Levi might be the goalie of the future in Buffalo, but whether he’s ready to take that step now remains to be seen.
Fellow Athletic scribe Matthew Fairburn weighed in on the discussion and agreed that Hellebuyck would be the best option for the Sabres, especially when considering the limited choices available in this summer’s free agent and trade markets. Fairburn suggests exploring the possibility of a trade if the Jets’ makes sense if the team can do so without sacrificing their top prospects like Matthew Savoie or Jiri Kulich.
Insiders Weigh in On Sabres’ Rumored Interest in Hellebuyck (msn.com)