Jets goalie Hellebuyck made trade request official

(WGR 550) - To nobody's surprise Connor Hellebuyck made his trade request official to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. News had come out from numerous sources before June's NHL Draft that the goaltender wanted to be traded, but he nor the team ever confirmed it. In a statement Hellebuyck said,

"Winnipeg has been my home for my entire NHL career, and I will always be grateful for my time there.

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 at 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 the Winnipeg Jets have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon."

In addition to winning the Gold Medal for Team USA at the Olympic Games in February, he's won the NHL Hart Trophy in 2025 as league MVP, the Vezina Trophy in 2020, 24 and 25 and the Jennings Trophy in 2024 and 25. Hellebuyck is a three-time first team NHL All-Star.

In 625 career games, Hellebuyck is 345-208-55. He has a career 2.58 goals against and .916 save percentage. Last season he had an off year going 23-23-11 with a 2.86 goals against and .895 save percentage. Last season the Jets were.500 and 26th overall in the NHL missing the playoffs by eight points.

Hellebuyck has only gone 8-15 in his last 23 playoff games.

Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff also released a statement. He said,

"Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change. He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years and we have tremendous respect for what he's accomplished here. While we continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there's no update at this time."