Report: Kings interested in Hellebuyck

It seems that Tinseltown is interested in welcoming some even more star power

According to insider Frank Seravalli, the Los Angeles Kings have expressed interest in acquiring Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Per Seravalli, Kings general manager Ken Holland has inquired about what it would take to trade for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, and has also received affirmation that Hellebuyck would approve a trade to Los Angeles.

The Hellebuyck era in Winnipeg is definitely coming to a close. The Commerce, Mich. native requested a trade over the summer, but Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has yet to receive an offer that he sees fit for his team. The stalled movement with Hellebuyck has led the team to suspend the 2024-25 Hart Trophy winner after he failed to report to training camp, forcing the backstop to train on his own while he awaits his fate.

The Kings certainly have a reason to be interested in Hellebuyck – granted, any team should be. However, L.A. has found itself in a precarious position at the start of the 2026-27 season. The team is winless in its first five games, going 0-3-2. The duo of Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg have hardly done much to support new head coach Peter Laviolette, giving up a combined 20 goals so far this year. Kuemper has a rough .847 save percentage, while Forsberg is at a .853 SV% in just two appearances. It’s safe to say the Kings could use some stable netminding to turn their season around.

Hellebuyck might’ve had a down 2025-26 campaign, going 23-23-11, with a 2.86 GAA and .895 SV%. Yet, few question his ability to be a big-time goaltender, something he showed in helping the U.S. win the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

While Hellebuyck sits at home, the Jets have done alright without him, going 4-1-1 thus far, tied for the fifth-best record in the Western Conference.

The Kings are off until Saturday, when they host the Boston Bruins.