Connor Hellebuyck has a major trade option suddenly taken off the table

Trade speculation in the NHL has a way of snowballing, especially when a goaltender of Connor Hellebuyck's caliber is involved. Recent reports suggested the Winnipeg Jets netminder, who demanded a trade from the organization, would be open to staying in Canada and would welcome a deal to Montreal. But the reality, according to a league source, paints a very different picture.

The Canadiens reportedly never even picked up the phone.

According to journalist Jimmy Murphy of the Sick Podcast, citing a source within the NHL, Montreal showed zero interest in pursuing Hellebuyck. The organization reportedly never initiated any discussions with Winnipeg about the star goaltender.

The source offered a vivid analogy to describe the situation: "I saw the reports saying Connor Hellebuyck would accept a trade to Montreal, but it takes two to tango, and right now, Winnipeg hasn't even invited Montreal onto the dance floor."

The rumor traces back to a column by Toronto journalist Steve Simmons, who reported that Hellebuyck, unlike some of his U.S. national team counterparts, would have no issue being traded to another Canadian franchise. Simmons specifically named Montreal and Edmonton as destinations the goalie would reportedly embrace. According to that report, Hellebuyck's desire to leave Winnipeg stems not from the team's on-ice performance but from how his family was allegedly treated by the local community.

The NHL source suggested the report likely originated from Hellebuyck's camp, led by agent Ray Petkau. That kind of maneuvering is considered a perfectly legitimate strategy in professional hockey, where agents work to expand the trade market for their clients.

Montreal's lack of interest reportedly comes down to a simple explanation: the organization already has a crowded goaltending picture. The Canadiens currently carry three netminders in Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler, and Samuel Montembeault. General manager Kent Hughes has reportedly made it clear the team will not start the season with three goalies on the roster. According to multiple sources, the club has actively been trying to trade Montembeault before the 2026-27 campaign opens next week against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.

If that deal does not materialize, young Jacob Fowler would reportedly be sent to the AHL to begin the year with the Laval Rocket.

The message from Montreal's front office appears unambiguous. Even if Hellebuyck publicly expressed a desire to wear the bleu, blanc et rouge, the feeling is not mutual. The organization is reportedly satisfied with its goaltending depth and has no intention of paying the steep prospect and player cost Winnipeg would demand in return, particularly to address a need that simply does not exist.

This situation underscores Montreal's commitment to its youth movement, with Dobes and Fowler positioned as the tandem of the future. Rather than chasing an expensive veteran, the Canadiens appear determined to let their young goaltenders prove themselves at the highest level. And Hellebuyck will have to look elsewhere for a move.