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NHL-Hellebuyck cites family circumstances in ‘difficult’ Jets trade request
Connor Hellebuyck said challenging family circumstances were among the reasons he requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, describing the decision as extremely difficult. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner addressed Jets fans in a letter before his return to Winnipeg with the New Jersey Devils.
Hellebuyck sat out training camp and missed the start of the 2026-27 season before joining New Jersey in a major trade less than two weeks ago. He thanked the Jets organisation and fans but said his family’s personal circumstances would remain private; he is 3-0 with the Devils.
In short
- Hellebuyck says family circumstances contributed to his trade request.
- He called leaving Winnipeg an extremely difficult decision.
- The goalie has started 3-0 with New Jersey.
Explained simply
The Winnipeg Jets are a Canadian team in the National Hockey League (NHL), North America’s top professional ice hockey league. Connor Hellebuyck played for the Jets as their goaltender, the player whose job is to stop the opposing team scoring.
Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy, awarded each year to the NHL’s best goaltender, three times. He later moved to the New Jersey Devils, another NHL team. Trades are a common way for teams to exchange players, often reshaping their line-ups.
Players’ decisions to leave can affect team plans and how supporters feel about a club. Hellebuyck has thanked the Jets organisation and fans, while keeping details of his family’s circumstances private.