After months of speculation, Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has officially gone public with his trade request.
Winnipeg’s award-winning goaltender shared a statement on social media on Thursday afternoon, confirming that he had asked for a move from the NHL club earlier this summer, hoping to get a deal done as training camp quickly approaches.
Hellebuyck, who has won three Vezina Trophies as the NHL’s top goaltender and was the league’s MVP in 2024-25, issued his statement through his agent on social media.
“Winnipeg has been my home for my entire NHL career and I will always be grateful for my here,” Hellebuyck’s statement began.
“Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options.
“With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”
The goalie, who has played 625 games over 11 seasons with the Jets, also thanked the organization for everything it has given to him.
“I have never forgotten June 23, 2012. That’s the day Winnipeg took a chance on a goalie playing in Odessa, Tex.,” he wrote. “I gave everything I had from that moment to prove that the Jets made the right decision.
“I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon.”
What did the Jets say about the situation?
The Jets confirmed the star goalie’s desire for a trade in his own statement released shortly after Hellenbuyck’s.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said that the situation is a work in progress and that there is no update on the matter at this time.
“Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change,” Cheveldayoff wrote. “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.”
How is Hellebuyck’s trade demand different?
While several top stars have demanded trades over the course of this off-season, NHL insider Chris Johnston reports that Hellebuyck’s is different than some of the others that have no-movement clauses in their contracts.
While former Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk reportedly forced his way to the Florida Panthers and turned down a deal to the St. Louis Blues, Hellebuyck reportedly is much more open in terms of destination.
“One key difference with the Connor Hellebuyck trade request compared to others around the NHL is that he’s willing to waive his NMC for a variety of teams,” Johnston reported on X.
“The offers haven’t been to Winnipeg’s liking just yet, obviously, but they’re not totally handcuffed.”
While that doesn’t rule out that Hellebuyck could turn down a trade, it certainly seems like he’s open to do whatever it takes to leave Winnipeg.
Wherever Hellebuyck winds up, that team will be getting one of the league’s best puck-stoppers. He boasts a record of 345-208-55 with a goals-against average of 2.58 and save percentage of .916, making four all-star game appearances along the way.
He also helped backstop Team USA to an Olympic gold medal earlier this year at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games.