Connor Hellebuyck breaks silence on why he left Winnipeg, and Jets fans won't like his answer

Connor Hellebuyck still isn't ready to open up about his messy exit from Winnipeg.

After his first official practice with the New Jersey Devils on Monday, the goaltender passed on addressing Jets fans and once again refused to get into what led to his trade request.

Hellebuyck said at his introductory press conference on Saturday that he had plenty to say to the Jets faithful, but he wanted to wait until the Heritage Classic was over out of respect for the team and the celebration of hockey.

Asked again Monday, he said the moment still isn't right, though he believes it will arrive.

The Jets traded Hellebuyck to the Devils on Friday, the same day his suspension for skipping training camp was set to end.

He first asked for a trade privately at the end of last season, then made it public in August.

Fans in Winnipeg have waited months for answers, and so far they haven't gotten many.

The return was sizable. The Jets landed forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goalie Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

On the ice, he sounds ready.

Hellebuyck told reporters he could play right now, and head coach Sheldon Keefe said the plan is for him to get in a game during this week's road trip, once a few boxes are checked.

The Devils visit Dallas on Tuesday, Colorado on Wednesday and Vegas on Friday.

Winnipeg fans get their next look on Nov. 10 when the Devils visit, and that night might be when Hellebuyck finally says what he's been holding back.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Martin St. Louis opens up about the possibility of leaving the Canadiens