What happened: Connor Hellebuyck made his desire to move public on Aug. 27 after trade talk had cooled two days earlier. Proposed deals drew renewed scrutiny by Sept. 3.
Why it matters: Moving a franchise goaltender would force a late reset of 2026-27 roster planning. The remaining term makes both the return and long-range salary-cap fit central to any deal.
By the numbers: The contract carries five remaining seasons at an $8.5 million annual cap hit, totaling $42.5 million in cap charges.
What to watch: Watch for movement in negotiations or a standoff that carries into the 2026-27 preseason.