Connor Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and Hart Trophy recipient, has publicly confirmed his request to be traded from the Winnipeg Jets. The star goaltender, who has spent his entire NHL career with the franchise, released a statement through his agent, Ray Petkau, on Thursday. In the statement, Hellebuyck revealed that he had privately requested a trade several months ago and had attempted to handle the matter quietly. However, with training camp approaching, he felt it necessary to make his position public.
Hellebuyck expressed his gratitude for his time in Winnipeg but stated his belief that moving on is the best path forward for him and his family. "My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family," Hellebuyck said in the statement. "I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon." The 33-year-old goaltender is currently under contract with the Jets through the 2030-31 season, carrying an $8.5 million cap hit.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acknowledged Hellebuyck's desire for a change. "Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change," Cheveldayoff said in a team statement. "He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years, and we have tremendous respect for what he has accomplished here. While we will continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time." Hellebuyck's request comes after the Jets missed the playoffs for the first time in four years last season, a year in which he posted a career-worst save percentage. Speculation about his future in Winnipeg has been ongoing, with reports linking him to teams like the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes earlier in the offseason.
