Connor Hellebuyck doesn't want to overshadow the Winnipeg Jets' Heritage Classic weekend, opting to discuss his trade from the team afterward.
"There's a lot that I need to say, but they have the Heritage game coming up, so out of respect for them and the celebration of hockey, I'm gonna postpone that to a later date," Hellebuyck said Saturday. "I hope they know I care about them."
The Jets traded Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils on Friday, just days before they host the Heritage Classic outdoor game at Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens.
Hellebuyck went public with his trade request from the Jets in August and was suspended by the club in September after failing to report to training camp. His suspension was set to end Friday.
"Sitting at home for so long was getting to me," Hellebuyck said. "For myself, I'm just really excited to play hockey again. I'm joining a very skilled group. I know they're bringing me in for a certain, specific role, and I'm really excited to try to fill that role - not only on the ice, but off the ice as well. When we're talking excitement here, there's nothing not to be excited about. It's a new chapter for my career, and I'm really excited for the future here."
Hellebuyck said he's been skating in Michigan with free agent Robby Fabbri and former Dallas Stars prospect Antonio Stranges, describing the last month as a "prolonged training camp."
"Getting into an NHL practice at NHL speeds throughout a whole roster is going to be important," Hellebuyck said. "But I don't think, at this point in my career, it's going to take me long."
Hellebuyck also made his goal with the Devils clear: "I'm here to win."
"The only thing I've got left on my resume is a Stanley Cup," Hellebuyck added. "Seeing that these guys kind of got their vision tight on that as well, it's just gonna fit perfectly."
Hellebuyck had spent his entire career with the Jets after the organization drafted him in 2012. He's a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2025. Hellebuyck also starred for Team USA at the Olympics in February, playing a key role in winning gold.
