Future Jets hall-of-famer Connor Hellebuyck makes trade demand official
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Connor Hellebuyck has confirmed he requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, saying his stance has not changed with camp approaching.
Connor Hellebuyck has made his stance official.
The Winnipeg Jets goaltender released a statement confirming he requested a trade months ago and wants to leave the only NHL organization he's ever known.
The three-time Vezina Trophy winner says his position has not changed as training camp approaches.
Hellebuyck was Winnipeg's fifth round pick back in June of 2012, taken out of Odessa, Texas, and turned into arguably the best goaltender of his generation.
He's a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and helped Team USA capture Olympic gold in Milan this past February.
Despite all that, last season ended in disappointment as the Jets missed the playoffs after winning the Presidents' Trophy the year before, and Hellebuyck posted a .895 save percentage, his lowest mark since becoming Winnipeg's full time starter.
What the statement says
In his message, Hellebuyck said he privately requested a trade several months ago and has tried to handle the situation quietly while giving the organization time to work through its options.
He added that with camp nearly here, he felt it was important to confirm the request publicly rather than let speculation keep swirling.
"Winnipeg has been my home for my entire NHL career, and I will always be grateful for my time there.
I have never forgotten June 23, 2012. That's the day Winnipeg took a chance on a goalie playing in Odessa, TX. I gave everything I had from that moment to prove that the Jets made the right decision.
Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options.
With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.
I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon."
- Connor Hellebuyck
I have never forgotten June 23, 2012. That's the day Winnipeg took a chance on a goalie playing in Odessa, TX. I gave everything I had from that moment to prove that the Jets made the right decision.
Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options.
With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.
I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon."
- Connor Hellebuyck
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has never denied the situation, telling reporters back in June the organization would listen to offers.
Buffalo emerged as a serious suitor around the draft, reportedly offering the fourth overall pick and a roster player, but talks stalled and no deal ever came together.
The Sabres are reported to still be lingering as a possible landing spot heading into the fall.
Where things stand now
Jets captain Adam Lowry said this week he still expects Hellebuyck to show up for camp, and with five years left on his contract and a full no movement clause, Winnipeg controls the pace of any resolution.
The Jets already added goaltender Stuart Skinner as insurance this summer, a move that could give Winnipeg more flexibility if a Hellebuyck deal ever gets done.
Hellebuyck closed his statement by thanking Jets fans and saying he hopes a resolution can be reached soon.
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