Jets' Hellebuyck goes public with trade request

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck went public with his trade request Thursday.

Hellebuyck privately requested a trade "several months ago," he said in a statement shared by his agent on social media.

"I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options," Hellebuyck said. "With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my quest. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family."

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff later released a statement saying the team "will continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner" and that there is no update at this time.

Hellebuyck is signed through 2030-31 at an $8.5-million cap hit and has a full no-movement clause.

The 33-year-old is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner (2020, 2024, 2025) as the NHL's best goaltender. He also won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2025.

The Jets missed the playoffs last season, plummeting down the standings to 26th after winning the Presidents' Trophy in 2024-25 by owning the league's best regular-season record.

After the most recent campaign ended, Hellebuyck attributed Winnipeg's regression to complacency.

"I don't want to go and leave any speculation. I love this city and I love playing here, and the fans have given me so much," Hellebuyck said in April in response to a question about his future with the franchise. "I've given so much back to the fans. And there's a real connection there."

Hellebuyck posted an .895 save percentage in 57 games last season. He won Olympic gold in February with the United States, making 41 saves on 42 shots in a stellar performance in the gold-medal game against Canada.

The Michigan native was drafted by the Jets in 2012 and has played his entire 11-season NHL career in Winnipeg. Hellebuyck's 625 games are the most in franchise history.