Kings Interested In Connor Hellebuyck

A new team has entered the chat for Connor Hellebuyck. According to Sportsnet’s Frank Seravalli, the Los Angeles Kings have contacted the Winnipeg Jets about what it would take to acquire the three-time Vezina winner.

Seravalli stated that he doesn’t believe any names have been exchanged. However, General Manager Ken Holland was informed of Winnipeg’s asking price and that Hellebuyck would consent to a trade to Los Angeles.

Unfortunately, the Kings are in a tricky spot. Although they’d like to reach the postseason for a sixth consecutive year, Los Angeles is one of only two teams without a win in the 2026-27 season, and the only team in the Western Conference. Assuming the Jets will want a first-round pick in any package for Hellebuyck, the Kings’ next several games will have huge implications. If their losing ways stretch into another week, will Los Angeles be willing to punt on a possibility at Landon DuPont for Hellebuyck?

Although they’ve run into some injury trouble with their forward corps, goaltending has been an issue for the Kings. It’s a small sample size, but the Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg duo have combined for an .848 SV% and -5.6 Goals Saved Above Average so far. Los Angeles has one of the league’s weakest tandems this season, and even as the team regains some forward depth, they won’t succeed if their goaltending does not improve.

Meanwhile, as much as he would improve the team’s goaltending, it’s not clear if Hellebuyck fits into the Kings’ competitive window. Despite reaching the postseason for five consecutive years, Los Angeles has not made it beyond Round One.

Additionally, the Kings have an old roster. In fact, they have the league’s oldest roster. According to Hockey Reference, Los Angeles is sporting an average age of 32.1, almost a full year older than the second-closest, the Colorado Avalanche (31.4). Already 33, with five more years on his contract, acquiring Hellebuyck wouldn’t exactly usher in a youth movement.

Still, he theoretically could serve as a stopgap between the changing of the guard in Los Angeles. However, it’s a high price for a goalie if they’re going to transition to a younger roster. It’s smart for Holland to inquire about Hellebuyck’s price, but it appears to be a case of the right player at the wrong time for the Kings.