The Winnipeg Jets’ star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck continues to be a popular name concerning trade speculations after his much talked about deal with the Buffalo Sabres reportedly fell through, ahead of the new season. Though he has a few more seasons left with the Winnipeg Jets, it seems the Vegas Golden Knights have emerged as a potential landing spot for him.The Winnipeg Jets’ star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck continues to be a popular name concerning trade speculations after his much talked about deal with the Buffalo Sabres reportedly fell through. Though he has a few more seasons left with the Winnipeg Jets, it seems the Vegas Golden Knights have emerged as a potential landing spot for him.CategoryDetailsPlayerConnor HellebuyckCurrent TeamWinnipeg JetsRumored TeamsVegas Golden Knights, New Jersey Devils, Carolina PanthersContract Status5 Years Remaining (UFA in 2031)Salary Cap Hit$8,500,000 AAV (Full No-Movement Clause)Trade LikelihoodModerate Insider UpdateVegas Golden Knights remain heavily linked but must clear major salary cap space before finalizing any offerWhich teams are interested in Connor Hellebuyck?In the last few weeks, as per NHL insiders, the Detroit Red Wings, the Minnesota Wild, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights have been rumored to be eyeing him.What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?A few days ago, Austin Konenski of Sportsnaut noted in a report, “The Vegas Golden Knights could really use a goalie for the 2026-27 NHL season.”Austin Konenski of Sportsnaut added, “After Carter Hart‘s struggles in the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals, Vegas could use an elite goalie to lead the way. Hellebuyck has done it in the past, and it would greatly increase the Knights’ chances of returning to the promised land.”Contract details and salary cap implicationsThe Winnipeg Jets' star player Connor Hellebuyck is signed to a seven-year, $59.5 million deal running through the 2030-31 season.For a team that trades for the star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, they would have to absorb a flat salary cap hit of $8.5 million per season for the remaining five years.As per reports, the new team pays a reduced base salary of $7.5 million in actual cash for the 2026-27 season.How will the trade affect the teams?For the Vegas Golden Knights, trading for Connor Hellebuyck remains a bit expensive as the team has roughly over $8.6 million in effective cap space.Trading for the star goaltender would require the team to make major changes in contracts but Connor Hellebuyck would be an elite goalie for the team.However, signing him would also lock up the team’s financial flexibility for the next five years.For the Winnipeg Jets, trading for Connor Hellebuyck leaves a gaping hole in the net and no immediate elite internal replacement option.But trading him clears his entire $8.5 million cap hit which instantly creates massive long-term financial flexibility for the team.For now, nothing has been confirmed as the star goaltender remains with the Winnipeg Jets as he deals with the trade speculations, after his trade to the Buffalo Sabres fell through.