Colorado Avalanche Eye Connor Hellebuyck Trade Upgrade

Colorado Avalanche are reportedly weighing a trade for Winnipeg Jets' elite netminder Connor Hellebuyck, a rumor that could reshape the club’s roster as the season heads toward the playoffs. As of July 9, 2026, the Colorado Avalanche sit 1st in the Western Conference with a 55-16 record and a three‑game winning streak, underscoring their win‑now mindset.

What sparked the Hellebuyck chatter?

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet revealed on the final episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast that a few teams, including the Avalanche, wondered about a possible bid for the former Hart Trophy winner. Friedman didn’t confirm active talks, but his comment that “some teams suspected the Avalanche considered it” sparked a flurry of speculation among fans and analysts alike.

How would Hellebuyck fit into Denver’s goalie tandem?

The Avalanche currently rely on Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, a pair many rank among the league’s stronger tandems. Hellebuyck posted a 2.86 GAA and a .895 save percentage over 57 games this past season, numbers that could elevate Denver’s back‑end. However, his $8.5 million cap hit clashes with the club’s tight salary space, leaving only $400,000 in flexibility, according to PuckPedia.

What would Denver need to give up?

To absorb Hellebuyck’s contract, Colorado would likely have to move Blackwood, who earns $5.25 million per year, back to Manitoba. The Avs have already shed draft capital and depth pieces—trading Ross Colton, Jack Drury, and Valeri Nichushkin—so any package would have to include a mix of prospects and perhaps a mid‑round pick to satisfy Winnipeg’s rebuilding timeline.

Why the timing matters now.

General manager Joe Sakic has been busy since Chris MacFarland’s departure for Nashville, reshaping the roster with several moves. Adding a goalie of Hellebuyck’s caliber could lock down the net for the next few seasons, pairing Nathan MacKinnon’s offense with Cale Makar’s defensive prowess. The Jets, meanwhile, have signed Stuart Skinner, giving them a viable backup should they decide to move Hellebuyck.

What’s next for the trade talk?

While no concrete offer has surfaced, the rumor mill suggests Denver may explore creative solutions, perhaps involving future picks or a player swap that satisfies both clubs. If the Avalanche pull off the deal, they would solidify a roster that already looks championship‑ready, turning a strong regular‑season performance into a deeper playoff run.