Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, a decorated player with an Olympic gold medal and three Vezina trophies, has made a public request to be traded.
Speculation about Hellebuyck’s future has been ongoing among hockey enthusiasts and analysts for some time. However, the goaltender confirmed in a statement released by his agent on Thursday that he had privately asked the Jets for a trade several months ago.
Hellebuyck mentioned that he had handled the matter discreetly to provide the organization time to consider its options. In light of the upcoming training camp, he decided to publicly disclose his trade request, believing that moving on would be the best decision for himself and his family. He expressed gratitude to the Winnipeg Jets fans for their support throughout his career and expressed hope for a prompt resolution.
At the age of 33 and hailing from Michigan, Hellebuyck achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the league’s MVP and top goalie awards in the 2024-25 NHL season when the Jets clinched the best record in the franchise’s history.
Jets’ General Manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff, mentioned in a later statement that there were no updates regarding the star goalie’s future with the team. Cheveldayoff acknowledged Hellebuyck’s desire for a change and praised his significant contributions to the Winnipeg Jets over the years, assuring a thoughtful approach to the situation.
In a personal statement, Hellebuyck reflected on his draft by the Jets in 2012 and expressed his commitment to proving the team’s decision right since then. Additionally, he was honored by U.S. President Donald Trump with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his outstanding performance in the Olympic gold-medal game earlier this year.
Having been a Vezina Trophy finalist five times, Hellebuyck’s request for a trade marks a significant development in his career trajectory.
