“There were several considerations that went into my decision, including some very challenging circumstances involving my family,” Connor Hellebuyck wrote in a letter to Winnipeg Jets fans posted on Instagram Wednesday. The 33-year-old goaltender said he and his family chose to keep those circumstances private, CBC reported.
The message came as Hellebuyck prepares to return to Winnipeg Tuesday when the New Jersey Devils visit the Jets, Winnipeg Free Press reported. The goaltender was traded to New Jersey last month after refusing to report to Winnipeg’s training camp in September.
In the letter, Hellebuyck acknowledged the disappointment his trade request caused supporters. “I know my decision to request a trade was disappointing and frustrating for many people, especially those who supported me throughout my career,” he wrote, according to CBC. “I understand those feelings, and I want everyone to know it was an extremely difficult decision.”
The Commerce, Michigan, native spent his first 11 NHL seasons in Winnipeg before asking for a trade this past off-season. He thanked the organization, teammates, and staff, writing, “When I think about my years in Winnipeg, I’ll always be grateful for the life my family and I built there and for the people who became such an important part of it,” Sportsnet.ca reported. He added that some of his favorite memories away from the rink involved “the time I spent on the water fishing” on Manitoba’s lakes, CBC reported.
Jets GM Details Security Measures Amid Harassment Reports
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has acknowledged that the team took additional security measures for Hellebuyck and his family, including speaking with police, though no arrests were made, Winnipeg Free Press reported. The measures followed speculation that the family faced online harassment after Hellebuyck and his U.S. Olympic teammates visited the White House, where President Donald Trump awarded Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom, CBC reported.
The harassment reportedly escalated while anti-American sentiment was high in Canada amid tariff disputes and Trump’s references to making Canada the 51st state, CBC reported. Cheveldayoff told reporters in September that security and local police increased monitoring around Hellebuyck’s Winnipeg residence, CBC reported.
Devils Land Three-Time Vezina Winner in Six-Piece Trade
The Jets received forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, 18-year-old Swedish prospect Alexander Command, a second-round pick in the 2029 NHL Draft, and a seventh-rounder in 2027, Daily Faceoff reported. Hellebuyck, who won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2025 and the Vezina Trophy three times, posted a 345-208-55 record in 625 games with Winnipeg, Daily Faceoff reported.
With the Devils, Hellebuyck has won his first three starts, allowing six goals with a .900 save percentage and 1.95 goals-against average, Sportsnet.ca reported.
Devils Face Hellebuyck’s Winnipeg Debut
Hellebuyck is scheduled to play Tuesday when the Devils visit Winnipeg, CBC reported. The game date was listed as Nov. 10 in CBC’s coverage. Fans have debated online how to receive him, with some referencing the hostile reception Ottawa Senators fans gave Brady Tkachuk when the forward returned after requesting a trade to the Florida Panthers, Winnipeg Free Press reported.
Trade Details and Reasons Behind Hellebuyck’s Move
Why did Connor Hellebuyck request a trade from the Jets?
Hellebuyck said “several considerations” went into his decision, including “some very challenging circumstances involving his family,” but he declined to share specifics, Sportsnet.ca reported.
Connor Hellebuyck shares a letter to Winnipeg Jets fans on his Instagram. pic.twitter.com/8pcfufQFfn
What did the Jets receive for Connor Hellebuyck?
Winnipeg acquired forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick, Daily Faceoff reported.
When is Connor Hellebuyck returning to Winnipeg?
Hellebuyck is set to play Tuesday, Nov. 10, when the Devils face the Jets in Winnipeg, CBC reported.
Connor Hellebuyck has won his first three starts with the Devils, giving up just six goals. He has won his first three starts, allowing six goals total with a .900 save percentage and 1.95 goals-against average, Sportsnet.ca reported.
“I’ll never forget the pride I felt representing Winnipeg, and I wish the Jets and the entire community nothing but the best,” Hellebuyck wrote, CBC reported.
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Connor Hellebuyck sends a message to Jets fans via Instagram pic.twitter.com/i7XYs9sQt1