Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck goes public with trade request

Winnipeg, Manitoba (AP) — Three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck has acknowledged he has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets. Hellebuyck's agent, Ray Petkau, revealed in a statement that the goaltender made his request several months ago and sought to proceed discreetly while allowing the organization to consider its options.

Hellebuyck, who has been with the Jets since entering the NHL in 2015, emphasized that his stance has remained unchanged and believes moving on is the most suitable course for both him and his family. With training camps set to commence in approximately three weeks, Hellebuyck deemed it necessary to disclose his situation. The 33-year-old goaltender, who holds the distinction of being the MVP in the 2024-25 season, has played his entire professional career with the Jets.

He also represented Team USA in winning the gold medal at the 2022 Olympics. Winnipeg's general manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff, confirmed that the team has been actively pursuing a trade for Hellebuyck but has not provided further updates on the matter. Cheveldayoff expressed respect for Hellebuyck's accomplishments with the Jets and acknowledged the player's desire for change.

Hellebuyck, who missed parts of the previous season due to injury, struggled with a career-low .895 save percentage last year, contributing to Winnipeg missing the playoffs. Despite these setbacks, Hellebuyck's remarkable career statistics, including 345 wins, a .916 save percentage, and a .925 goals-against average, place him among the elite goaltenders of the past decade.

His performance has been inconsistent in the postseason, with the Jets reaching the second round or the Western Conference final only once, in the 2018 season. Hellebuyck signed an eight-year, $59.5 million contract extension with Winnipeg in October 2023, committing to the team until 2031 with a salary cap hit of $8.5 million. The goaltender maintained that Winnipeg has been his home throughout his entire NHL career and expressed deep gratitude for the support of Jets fans.