The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to add one of the NHL's best goaltenders.
The reigning Stanley Cup champions made an offer to the Winnipeg Jets for star goalie Connor Hellebuyck earlier this week, sources told insider Frank Seravalli.
Carolina's bid reportedly included a first-round pick and All-Rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin. It's unclear if the offer included any other assets.
The Hurricanes own five first-round picks over the next four years, including a conditional 2028 first-rounder acquired from the Dallas Stars in the Mikko Rantanen trade last March. And it was reported Wednesday that they're considering moving Nikishin, a pending restricted free agent who's ineligible to receive an offer sheet.
Carolina currently has two goalies - Stanley Cup Final hero Brandon Bussi and backup Pyotr Kochetkov - under contract for 2026-27, as Frederik Andersen is a free agent. The team is projected to have over $11 million in available cap space this summer, per PuckPedia.
Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, struggled in Winnipeg last season, putting up a 2.86 GAA along with a career-low .895 save percentage over 57 games. However, the 33-year-old did backstop Team USA to a gold medal at the Olympics in February. He'd be a major upgrade for Carolina if he rediscovers the form that led the Jets to the Presidents' Trophy in the 2024-25 season.
Hellebuyck has been the subject of trade rumors for several months in the wake of the Jets' disappointing 2025-26 campaign. Winnipeg is willing to move the Michigan native for the right offer but is also being patient, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
Hellebuyck is under contract with the Jets for five more seasons at a cap hit of $8.5 million. He owns a no-movement clause.
The Florida Panthers are reportedly also among a number of teams interested in the netminder.
