Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck goes public with trade request

Connor Hellebuyck, the NHL’s Hart Trophy winner in 2025 and a three-time goaltender of the year, has publicly requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets. The 33-year-old goaltender informed his agent Ray Petkau on Thursday that he had privately requested to be traded "several months ago." Hellebuyck stated that he gave the Winnipeg organization time to address his request "quietly and respectfully," but decided to go public as training camp approached.

Hellebuyck expressed his gratitude for his time with the Jets, noting that the team took a chance on him in Odessa, Texas, when he first started his NHL career. Despite his gratitude, Hellebuyck emphasized that he would no longer remain at the Winnipeg Jets, as he seeks a change of scenery.

Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acknowledged that Hellebuyck had been open about his desire for a trade and expressed respect for his accomplishments with the team. However, Cheveldayoff assured that the organization would continue to explore options to retain Hellebuyck, should a satisfactory trade offer not materialize. The Jets already have a potential replacement in Stuart Skinner, who signed as a free agent.

Hellebuyck, who was instrumental in the Jets' successful 2024-25 season, has been their starting goaltender since the 2016-2017 season. Despite a decent 23-23-11 record with a 2.86 GAA and .895 save percentage last season, Hellebuyck's contributions to the U.S. team's gold medal win in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics have also been acknowledged. Over his eight-year, $59.5 million contract with the Jets, Hellebuyck has a 345-208-55 record with a 2.58 GAA, .916 save percentage, and 45 shutouts.