What Happened
The Los Angeles Kings are among the teams that have recently explored a trade for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, according to Sportsnet. Kings general manager Ken Holland has reportedly established the price required to acquire the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, and the club has been told Hellebuyck would accept a trade to Los Angeles. The Kings are now debating internally whether to part with a 2027 or 2028 first-round pick while weighing the direction of one of the NHL's oldest rosters.
Key Details
- Sportsnet reports the Kings have recently explored a Hellebuyck trade, though the depth of talks is unclear.
- Holland has reportedly determined the asking price for the three-time Vezina winner.
- Hellebuyck would reportedly accept a trade to Los Angeles.
- Los Angeles is weighing whether to include a 2027 or 2028 first-round pick.
- The Kings are 0-3-2 with the league's worst combined special teams.
- Fiala and Zuccarello are out and weeks away; Kuemper and Forsberg have an .848 save percentage.
What It Means
The Kings' early struggles have pushed goaltending to the front of their concerns, with Kuemper and Forsberg combining for an .848 save percentage. Adding a Vezina-caliber starter like Hellebuyck would be a major swing, but the cost in future draft capital is complicated by a 0-3-2 start and a roster that is among the oldest in the league. Winnipeg, meanwhile, must weigh what happens if Hellebuyck later wants to return.
What's Next
The Kings' direction could hinge on whether their slow start continues; Sportsnet notes a slide to 1-8-1 would make including a first-round pick harder. Winnipeg has CBA mechanisms to keep Hellebuyck away from the team if he asks to return, though he retains the right to report and earn.