What happened: Trade discussions between the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres over goaltender Connor Hellebuyck remain active, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast. The talks continue days after Buffalo reportedly tabled a major pre-draft package that Winnipeg declined. Hellebuyck had reportedly signed off on a move to Buffalo before Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff opted not to pull the trigger.

Why it matters: With the draft now passed, the leverage has tilted toward Winnipeg, complicating any renewed framework. The centerpiece of Buffalo's original pitch — the fourth-overall pick — is already spent, and Cheveldayoff is unlikely to accept a weaker return than the one he turned down. For a Jets core built around Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey, moving an elite netminder reshapes the team's contention window.

What to watch: Watch whether Buffalo can assemble a comparable offer without the No. 4 pick and how aggressively Cheveldayoff entertains a reworked package heading into the 2026-27 season.