Connor Hellebuyck finally reveals what led to his trade request from the Jets
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Connor Hellebuyck says challenging family circumstances shaped his trade request, and he thanked Jets fans in a heartfelt letter shared Wednesday.
Hellebuyck has finally explained why he wanted out of Winnipeg.
The Devils goaltender shared a letter with Jets fans, and it is the most detailed look yet at what drove his trade request.
He says some very challenging circumstances involving his family played a major role.
After plenty of thought and discussion, he and his family decided a change was best for them.
They are keeping the details private, and he hopes people respect that.
He also called it an extremely difficult decision and admitted it frustrated many fans who backed him throughout his career.
A thank you to Winnipeg
Most of the letter is gratitude.
Hellebuyck wrote that Winnipeg is where he grew as a player and where his family got started.
He raved about Manitoba's lakes and said some of his favourite memories away from the rink came while fishing.
He thanked Mark Chipman, Kevin Cheveldayoff, his teammates, coaches, trainers, equipment staff and the fans.
He closed by saying he will never forget the pride he felt representing Winnipeg, and he wished the Jets and the community nothing but the best.
"LETTER TO JETS FANS
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. It's where I grew as a player and where we started our family.
One of the things I've always loved about Manitoba is the connection people have to the outdoors. With so many beautiful lakes and places to enjoy nature, it's a special part of life there. Some of my favourite memories away from the rink will always be the time I spent on the water fishing.
I know my decision to request a trade was disappointing and frustrating for many people, especially those who supported me throughout my career. I understand those feelings, and I want everyone to know it was an extremely difficult decision.
There were several considerations that went into my decision, including some very challenging circumstances involving my family. After a lot of thought and discussion, we ultimately felt that making a change was the best thing for our family. We've chosen to keep those personal circumstances private, and I hope people can respect that.
I'm sincerely grateful to Mark Chipman, Kevin Cheveldayoff and the entire Jets organization for the opportunity they gave me and the trust they showed in me over the years.
To my teammates, coaches, trainers, equipment staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for your friendships, support and memories that I will always carry with me.
To the great Jets fans who supported me and my family, thank you. I'll never forget the pride I felt representing Winnipeg, and I wish the Jets and the entire community nothing but the best.
With gratitude,
Connor"
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. It's where I grew as a player and where we started our family.
One of the things I've always loved about Manitoba is the connection people have to the outdoors. With so many beautiful lakes and places to enjoy nature, it's a special part of life there. Some of my favourite memories away from the rink will always be the time I spent on the water fishing.
I know my decision to request a trade was disappointing and frustrating for many people, especially those who supported me throughout my career. I understand those feelings, and I want everyone to know it was an extremely difficult decision.
There were several considerations that went into my decision, including some very challenging circumstances involving my family. After a lot of thought and discussion, we ultimately felt that making a change was the best thing for our family. We've chosen to keep those personal circumstances private, and I hope people can respect that.
I'm sincerely grateful to Mark Chipman, Kevin Cheveldayoff and the entire Jets organization for the opportunity they gave me and the trust they showed in me over the years.
To my teammates, coaches, trainers, equipment staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for your friendships, support and memories that I will always carry with me.
To the great Jets fans who supported me and my family, thank you. I'll never forget the pride I felt representing Winnipeg, and I wish the Jets and the entire community nothing but the best.
With gratitude,
Connor"
How the saga ended
The Jets traded Hellebuyck to New Jersey on Oct. 23 after months of tension.
He requested a trade this summer, went public in late August, skipped training camp and was suspended by Winnipeg.
The Devils sent Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, Alexander Command, Nick Bjugstad, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick back to the Jets.
The three-time Vezina Trophy winner leaves with 345 wins in 625 games, all with the Jets.
Now the question is how Winnipeg greets him.
The Devils visit the Jets on Nov. 10, and that night could be loud.
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