What happened: Buffalo explored a draft-week package for Connor Hellebuyck involving Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Jack Quinn and the No. 4 pick later used on Daxon Rudolph. That construction became more difficult after Luukkonen gained a limited no-trade list.
Why it matters: Buffalo is coming off an Atlantic Division title and its first playoff berth since 2011, a run that ended in the second round. New Jersey has Jake Allen, David Rittich and Nico Daws in goal, while Carolina has Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov after Frederik Andersen left in free agency.
By the numbers: Hellebuyck, 33, is entering Year 4 of an eight-year, $68 million contract. Five seasons remain at an $8.5 million annual cap hit before the deal expires.
What to watch: Training camp is the next pressure point for trade talks. Hellebuyck's contract protections will continue to shape the available destinations.