Pundits are concerned for the NHL should Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck actually waive his no-trade clause for the Panthers.
Things can change in a hurry in professional sports, and after months of speculation, Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck already confirmed that he had already indeed requested a trade. Hellebuyck, after 11 seasons with the Jets, is ready for a new chapter in his career, although Winnipeg isn’t just going to budge that easily.
Hellebuyck does appear to have the leverage in any potential trade. He has a full no-movement clause for the 2026-27 NHL campaign, which means that he can control his fate by vetoing any deal the Jets agree to. The veteran goalie has informed Winnipeg that he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause for certain teams, and some are already expecting the Florida Panthers to be front and center among teams that could express interest in the 33-year-old.
This is raising concerns among some pundits, who believe that teams based in states with no income tax could have a Los Angeles Dodgers-like advantage when it comes to stacking rosters.
“If (Hellebuyck) ends up in Florida, you’ve got a Dodgers situation on your hands all of a sudden. You’ve got a lot of teams in the league being like, ‘Well, what are we supposed to do?’ These players are basically just mandating this is the only place they’re going and teams are capitulating and giving it to them,” TSN’s Brian Hayes said.
Hayes is wary of the league if the Panthers snag Connor Hellebuyck. #OverDrive pic.twitter.com/P7WKInIekT
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 27, 2026
Fans are becoming more aware of the advantages teams that reside in states with no income tax have. In fact, for six consecutive years running, at least one no-state income team has made it to the Stanley Cup Final.
The Dodgers, in MLB, simply flex all of their financial might and acquire all the superstar talent they can. Should MLB actually enforce a salary cap, they won’t be able to do this any further.
But in the NHL, this factor is beyond their control. Commissioner Gary Bettman will have his work cut out for him as the NHL looks to find ways to level the playing field.
Things can change in a hurry in professional sports, and after months of speculation, Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck already confirmed that he had already indeed requested a trade. Hellebuyck, after 11 seasons with the Jets, is ready for a new chapter in his career, although Winnipeg isn’t just going to budge that easily.