Death threats and family incidents drove trade demand
Connor Hellebuyck revealed that online death threats and incidents impacting his family were major factors behind his trade demand from the Winnipeg Jets, cbc.ca reported.
Hellebuyck noted that what he felt had gone too far was more than “online death threats,” adding that he wanted to keep the details of the incidents private. Some things happened to my family that, for me, crossed the line … and made that decision very certain,
Hellebuyck said Tuesday during his first return to Winnipeg since his trade, as reported by cbc.ca.
He emphasized his priority, stating, There comes a time in your life where you have to choose to be a husband and a father first, and then do what’s best for your career.
Jets management previously noted that the harassment had reached a level requiring intervention from local police and team security around the player’s residence.
The 33-year-old goaltender spoke to reporters ahead of his New Jersey Devils facing the Jets at Canada Life Centre on Nov. 10, 2026. CTV News noted that the Michigan-born player spent 11 seasons in Winnipeg before the transaction. During his time with the franchise, he recorded a 345-208-55 record and earned the Vezina Trophy three times (2019-20, 2023-24, 2024-25), as well as the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in 2024-25.
Hellebuyck reflected on his tenure, stating, I’ve had all my career accomplishments here and I don’t want any of this to change any of that.
He added, I’m thinking about all the good memories I’ve had.
“Right away, he very boldly said: ‘I feel it's my duty to play in this game.’ ” Connor Hellebuyck says he wants to face the music in Winnipeg. But the Devils looked at workload and conditioning and "win probability" and stressors and are denying a moment: https://t.co/lV2ckpcW0N pic.twitter.com/EAvhSX8UE9
Trade Demand and Team Suspensions
Hellebuyck requested a trade after signing a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension in October 2023 where he declared himself a Jet for life, according to CTV News and Yahoo Sports. When a trade failed to materialize before training camp in September 2026, he did not report, prompting a team suspension that lasted until his Oct. 23 trade to New Jersey, NHL.com reported. He was traded the day that suspension was set to end.
Responding to those remarks, Hellebuyck said, Obviously from an emotional standpoint, that hurts, but I understand,
as cited by cbc.ca.
“I've had all of my career accomplishments here, and I don't want any of this to change any of that.” In his return to Winnipeg, Connor Hellebuyck reflects on the city and his time as a Jet.https://t.co/qvD7scqGss
Olympic gold and White House visit sparked criticism
Yahoo Sports reported that intense scrutiny followed Hellebuyck after he led Team USA to a gold medal over Canada at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026. Afterward, he visited the White House and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Donald Trump, drawing criticism in Canada amid trade and tariff tensions, cbc.ca reported.
Hellebuyck stated, I know the sensitivity about what’s going on between the U.S. and Canada, and I’ve never gotten into politics deep with anyone because I’m a hockey player.
CTV News noted that Hellebuyck defended his achievements, stating, Those are accomplishments that I will never apologize for, and I will never speak negatively about.
New Jersey Bench Decision
Devils management announced Sunday that Hellebuyck would not play in Tuesday’s matchup against Winnipeg, despite the goaltender starting his Devils tenure with a 5-0-0 record and a 1.96 goals-against average, NHL.com reported.
Hellebuyck stated he pushed to play as a matter of duty, but respected management’s decision, according to CTV News.
When I went in there and said my piece and said I felt it was my duty to play this game and said ‘I want to play,’ I had a good conversation with the (coach Sheldon Keefe) and (general manager Sunny Mehta), and I left that conversation understanding where they’re at,
he said. The teams meet again on Nov. 28, 2026, when the Jets visit New Jersey, cbc.ca reported.
Hellebuyck not starting @ Winnipeg a ‘disappointment,’ Scott Arniel says. "This has been throughout the summer, it’s been through our training camp, it’s been all the way thru the trade & now it’s continued on. I was just kind of hoping it would be done.”https://t.co/BdHEMggtax”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Connor Hellebuyck play in his return to Winnipeg?
New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta released a statement that said Hellebuyck would not start in his return to Winnipeg, according to NHL.com.
What return did Winnipeg receive in the trade?
The Jets acquired forward Dawson Mercer, goalie Nico Daws, forward Nick Bjugstad, the rights to unsigned draft choice Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick, NHL.com reported.
When do the Winnipeg Jets play the New Jersey Devils next?
The two teams face each other again on Nov. 28, 2026, when the Jets travel to New Jersey, according to cbc.ca.
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