NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On Connor Hellebuyck And Sergei Bobrovsky
The lack of goaltending depth in this summer's trade and free-agent markets has made Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck the subject of trade speculation.
Hellebuyck, 33, made headlines in April when he expressed frustration over his and his team's performance. There is no indication that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner has requested a trade or that the Jets are shopping him. Nevertheless, reports emerged last week claiming there was "a lot of noise" about him in the rumor mill.
Florida Panthers Get Tougher With Brady Tkachuk But Must Now Address Their Goaltending
The Florida Panthers pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Ottawa Senators. But acquiring star winger Brady Tkachuk from the Sens still leaves the Panthers with a significant hole in net.
Speaking of starting goaltenders, the Florida Panthers might be seeking one if Sergei Bobrovsky heads to free agency on July 1.
Bobrovsky is completing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $10 million. According to a recent report by Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos, the two-time Vezina Trophy winner seeks a six- or seven-year contract worth $42 million.
George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports the Panthers continue to negotiate with the Bobrovsky camp, but they're also keeping a lookout for potential replacements if he walks on July 1. Rumors have linked them to Hellebuyck and St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington.
The Panthers would undoubtedly love to land Hellebuyck as Bobrovsky's replacement. However, they lack sufficient cap room to absorb his $8.5 million average annual value, and no, the Jets won't retain salary in the deal. Even if the Panthers could afford his contract, they probably couldn't meet the Jets' high asking price, which could include center Anton Lundell.
Bryan Hayes of TSN's Overdrive show believes Bobrovsky could help the Toronto Maple Leafs make the playoffs next season. However, the term and salary he's seeking at this stage of his career would be a concern.
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This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 9:17 AM.