Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has officially gone public with his trade request in the hopes that a resolution can be reached prior to the start of the regular season. With training camp looming, the veteran netminder released a statement via his agent on Thursday.
“Winnipeg has been my home for my entire NHL career, and I will always be grateful for my time there,” the statement read. “I have never forgotten June 23, 2012. That’s the day Winnipeg took a chance on a goalie playing in Odessa, TX. I gave everything I had from that moment to prove that the Jets made the right decision.
“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.”
“I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon.”
Reports that Hellebuyck would be open to a trade began making the rounds earlier this offseason. However, Winnipeg has either not found a suitable trade partner, or have hoped that the 33 year old would change his mind, as there has been little progress towards moving the former Vezina winner of late.
Currently under contract through 2030-31 at an average annual value of $8.5M per season, Hellebuyck is coming off one of the worst statistical seasons of his career in 2025-26. His .895 SV% was the lowest figure he’s posted at the NHL level.
Winnipeg as an organization hasn’t made many moves this offseason, adding Mario Ferraro and Stuart Skinner to low risk contracts as their only notable signings. According to the latest rumours, Carolina and Buffalo had previously inquired about the 4x All-Star’s availability, but how far those talks progressed is currently unknown.
Hellebuyck joins a growing list of team USA players who have publicly requested trades this offseason joining the likes of Brady Tkachuk, and Dylan Larkin who both went public with their desires to be moved. While Tkachuk was ultimately moved to Florida to join his brother, Larkin currently remains with the Red Wings as of this writing.
With the Jets preparing to open training camp in just over two weeks time, the situation in Winnipeg is sure to be the talk of the NHL until a resolution is reached.
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