Three-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck publicly confirmed that he has asked the Winnipeg Jets for a trade, according to a statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau, on KSAT. Hellebuyck revealed that he originally submitted the request to the organization privately several months ago.
Connor Hellebuyck Publicly Confirms Trade Request From Winnipeg Jets
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,
Hellebuyck wrote in the statement published by Bleacher Report. 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.
Hellebuyck, who turned 33 in May, has spent all 11 seasons of his NHL career with the Jets organization after being selected in the fifth round of the 2012 draft. He is currently signed through the 2030-31 season on a contract that carries an $8.5 million average annual value, which includes a full no-trade clause through next season.
Offseason Trade Speculation and Buffalo Sabres Talks
Public confirmation of the trade request brings renewed attention to an active offseason of speculation. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported ahead of the 2026 NHL draft in June that the Jets were believed to have discussed a trade that would have sent Hellebuyck to the Buffalo Sabres, with the goaltender reportedly willing to waive his no-movement clause for the move, according to Bleacher Report.
Talks between Winnipeg and Buffalo grew serious around the draft, with Buffalo reportedly offering a package that included the fourth overall pick, a roster player, and additional assets. However, Winnipeg did not lower its asking price, and the potential transaction ultimately fell through, as detailed by Yahoo Sports. When asked about a trade request in June, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff declined to clarify whether Hellebuyck had asked to leave, though he acknowledged the team had frank conversations with the goaltender during end-of-season meetings.
Frustration Following a Disappointing Season
The trade friction follows a difficult 2025-26 campaign for the Jets. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2025, Winnipeg took a significant step back, finishing with a 35-35-12 record and missing the playoffs entirely. Hellebuyck posted a career-low .895 save percentage alongside a 23-23-11 record and a 2.86 goals-against average.
During an April postseason exit interview following a gold-medal victory with Team USA at the Winter Olympics in February, Hellebuyck expressed a desire to win a Stanley Cup and questioned whether the Jets could secure the necessary pieces to contend. It’s hard. Can you get the pieces you need? Will the players come? These are always questions that you have in Winnipeg,
Hellebuyck said in April, as noted by Bleacher Report. I’ve made it my home, and I like it here, but I think majority of the league doesn’t feel the same way.
Contract Status and Roster Insurance in Winnipeg
Throughout his career, Hellebuyck has established himself as one of the league’s premier netminders, capturing three Vezina Trophies (in 2020, 2024, and 2025) and a Hart Trophy, while backstopping Winnipeg to a Western Conference final appearance in 2018. His 345 career wins rank second only to Andrei Vasilevsky since Hellebuyck entered the league.
As trade rumors persist with training camp weeks away, the Jets have already taken steps to insulate their crease, acquiring former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, who projects as a capable backup who could step into a starting role if Winnipeg ultimately moves its longtime top netminder, according to Yahoo Sports.
