Hellebuyck Trade Request Goes Public

Connor Hellebuyck made his Winnipeg Jets trade request public on Thursday, confirming through agent Ray Petkau what he said he had asked for privately several months ago. NHL.com and TSN published the statement the same afternoon. "With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request," Hellebuyck said. "My position has not changed. I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family."

TSN carried the rest of the note. Winnipeg has been his only NHL home, and he pointed back to June 23, 2012, the day the Jets drafted a goalie out of Odessa, Texas. "I gave everything I had from that moment to prove that the Jets made the right decision." He closed by thanking Jets fans and saying he hopes a resolution comes soon. NHL training camps open Sept. 16. Winnipeg's first preseason game is Sept. 19. The regular-season opener is Oct. 2 against Boston at Canada Life Centre.

What did Connor Hellebuyck say about the Jets trade?

He asked months ago, stayed quiet, and went public because camp is close. That is the sourced timeline. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff answered the same day. "Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change," Cheveldayoff said, per NHL.com. "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."

The Athletic noted that Hellebuyck's frustration first showed in April exit interviews, and that Cheveldayoff said before the June draft that Winnipeg was listening to offers. TSN's Darren Dreger reported in June that Hellebuyck would not mind a change of scenery. No destination was announced Thursday. Do not treat a rumor as a deal.

Why the Hellebuyck trade request matters now

Hellebuyck, 33, is entering the third season of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) he signed on Oct. 9, 2023, NHL.com wrote. TSN said it runs through 2030-31. Last season he was 23-23-11 with a 2.86 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage in 57 games, his lowest appearance total since 2020-21 and the first time he finished under .900. Winnipeg went 35-35-12 and missed the playoffs by eight points.

The year before that, 2024-25, he won the Hart Trophy, a third Vezina, and the Jennings, going 47-12-3 with a 2.00 GAA, a .925 save percentage, and eight shutouts in 63 games. The Jets won the Presidents' Trophy at 56-22-4. NHL.com listed him as one of four goalies, with Dominik Hasek, Martin Brodeur, and Patrick Roy, to win at least three Vezinas since 1981. Since he entered the league he leads goalies in games (625) and starts (615) and ranks second in wins (345). The Jets signed Stuart Skinner to two years and $7.5 million on July 1. That is the backup plan if Thursday's statement finally forces a move.

Connor Hellebuyck trade FAQ

Did Connor Hellebuyck request a trade? Yes. He said he asked privately several months ago and confirmed it publicly on Aug. 27, 2026.

What did the Jets say? Cheveldayoff said Hellebuyck has been open about wanting a change and that there is no update.

When does Jets camp open? NHL camps open Sept. 16. Winnipeg's first regular-season game is Oct. 2 against Boston.