The Kings haven’t won any of their first five games this season, making their 0-3-2 start a real head-scratcher, and yet, they are reportedly sniffing around for one of the biggest names on the trade market: Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. This isn’t just some casual interest, either. More than two weeks into the 2026-27 season, both Hellebuyck and the Kings are separately pretty miserable, and it looks like a potential deal could make them both happier.
Hellebuyck’s Off-Ice Drama Hits a Boiling Point
Alright, let’s talk about Connor Hellebuyck. This isn’t some run-of-the-mill goalie. The 33-year-old is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and even snagged the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP in the 2024-25 season. Plus, he led Team USA to Winter Olympics gold back in February, rocketing his prominence to another level. But despite all that, he’s a seriously disgruntled player. Hellebuyck requested a trade in the offseason from the Jets and is currently off the ice under a team suspension, basically waiting out the inevitable move to a new squad. Meanwhile, the Jets are actually doing pretty solid, kicking off their season with just one regulation loss in their first six contests. So, could they finally be ready to deal their superstar netminder?
The Kings’ Goalie Nightmare and a Risky Play
Now, onto the Kings. Their 0-3-2 record to start the season is brutal, and their goaltending has been a massive part of the problem. Darcy Kuemper has been in net for four of their five games, and his numbers are screaming for help: an ugly .853 save percentage and a 4.53 goals-against average. Anton Forsberg is the only other goalie who has even seen the ice for them this season. SportsNet’s Frank Seravalli reports that Kings GM Ken Holland has “kicked the tires” on Hellebuyck, and get this, Hellebuyck is reportedly willing to accept a trade to Los Angeles! Holland has at least “ascertained an understanding on the price” it would take to land the MVP. But here’s the catch: the Kings might be looking at their 2027 first-round pick becoming a very high selection if this losing streak continues. Parting with a top-tier draft pick, even for a player of Hellebuyck’s caliber, could be a tough pill to swallow for a team struggling this badly. It definitely complicates what could be an absolutely game-changing move.
This whole situation is a total mess for the Kings, but a potential lifeline in Hellebuyck. Will they actually pull the trigger and give up a potentially high draft pick for a 33-year-old goalie, even an MVP? The next few weeks are going to be wild as they figure out if they’re contenders or basement dwellers, and how desperate they truly are.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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