Connor Hellebuyck's trade request draws unbelievable response from ESPN's Michael Wilbon

Connor Hellebuyck's decision to ask his way out of Winnipeg is still drawing outside criticism, this time from ESPN's Pardon the Interruption.

Michael Wilbon tore into the Jets goaltender for going public with his trade request just two years into the seven year, $59.5 million extension he signed in 2023.

Wilbon didn't hold back, telling co host Frank Isola he would have called Hellebuyck and his agent and told them to go to hell rather than entertain a move.

He pointed out that Winnipeg gave the goaltender the security and the money he wanted, only to watch him ask out with five years still left on the deal.

Isola piled on too, bringing up comments Hellebuyck made in 2023 about wanting to be a Jet for life and eventually bring a Cup to Winnipeg.

Those comments have aged awkwardly given where things stand now.

Isola also referenced Hellebuyck's uneven playoff record with the franchise as further reason the netminder does not deserve an exit on his own terms.

Hellebuyck privately asked out months ago before his agent Ray Petkau made the request public last week.

The three time Vezina Trophy winner had a rough season by his standards, posting a 23-23-11 record with a 2.86 goals against average and a .895 save percentage in 57 appearances as Winnipeg missed the playoffs entirely.

The Jets now have to decide how to handle a franchise goaltender who no longer wants to be there, while his full no movement clause gives him real leverage over any destination.

Whether Winnipeg caves or holds firm the way Wilbon suggested, the fallout from this saga is only getting louder.

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