Are the Sabres Ready to Make the Move Nobody Expects?

In a recent interview, the Real Kyper and Bourne panel discussion was basically about one question: Should the Buffalo Sabres seriously consider using a high pick (even fourth overall) to try to get Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets? The discussion broke it down like this.

The Sabres and the Ottawa Senators are both trying to climb into the “next level” group. So they might be willing to take a bold swing now rather than wait. And the idea is that stocking up assets (picks, prospects, trade chips) only matters if you can turn them into a real upgrade. For Buffalo, the upgrade being talked about is a top-tier goalie, and Hellebuyck is the name everyone keeps coming back to.

Kyper and Bourne Believe the Jets Would Listen to a Hellebuyck Trade Offer

The key points are pretty simple. They’re saying Winnipeg might listen to the right offer because Hellebuyck is a proven franchise goalie, and trade offers can get weird when teams get serious. They also talk about how other teams could be in the mix, but Buffalo’s situation is the one that makes the most sense on paper.

They have the assets to make a deal. The big “what can happen” part is that Buffalo could dangle something massive to get Winnipeg to say yes, and the conversation leans toward it being a “timing” thing more than a “maybe later” thing.

There’s also a What Can’t Happen Aspect to any Hellebuyck Trade

But there’s a huge “what can’t happen” wrinkle. The Jets would want a deal that actually makes sense for them. In the video, they point out the idea that Florida (or other teams) might not be able to match what Winnipeg wants. For the Jets to move on any deal, certain pieces (like key young players) need to be included. So the Jets aren’t just taking value—they’re looking for the right combination.

So the takeaway from Kyper and Bourne’s discussion is that, if the Sabres are really going for it, they may have to pay as if they mean it. But whether Winnipeg accepts a trade isn’t about hype. It’s about whether Buffalo offers the kind of package the Jets can’t easily say no to.

Related: Connor Hellebuyck Trade Rumours Heating Up as Panthers Circle Back