Connor Hellebuyck makes trade request official

Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR) - 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 the 2026 NHL Draft this past June that the goaltender wanted to be traded, but he nor the team ever confirmed it.

"Winnipeg has been my home for my entire NHL career, and I will always be grateful for my time there," said Hellebuyck in a statement released Thursday by his agent.

"I have never forgotten June 23, 2012. That's the day Winnipeg took a chance on a goalie playing in Odessa, Texas. 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 a gold medal with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics this past February in Milan, Italy, he's won the Hart Trophy in 2025 as the NHL's Most Valuable Player, the Vezina Trophy in 2020, 2024 and 2025 as the league's best goaltender, as well as the William Jennings Trophy in 2024 and 2025 for the goalie/team that allows the fewest goals scored against it.

Hellebuyck is also a three-time First-Team NHL All-Star.

In 625 career games, Hellebuyck is 345-208-55 with a 2.58 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage and 45 shutouts.

Last season was an off year for the 33-year-old, as he went 23-23-11 with a 2.86 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage.

Overall, 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.

"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," said Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff in a statement Thursday. "While we continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there's no update at this time."

Hellebuyck has five years remaining on a contract he signed with the Jets just three years ago, paying him an average annual value of $8.5 million.