Kyle Connor gets deeply honest about Connor Hellebuyck's trade request
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Connor Hellebuyck's trade request has rattled the Winnipeg Jets, and teammate Kyle Connor is not holding back on what a return would take.
Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor is speaking out on the Connor Hellebuyck trade saga, and his words carry real weight as training camp opens without the club's franchise goaltender in the building.
Hellebuyck made his trade request public in late August, confirming he had asked the organization for a change months earlier.
He said in a statement released by his agent that he tried to handle things quietly and respectfully, but wanted to confirm his position publicly once camp drew closer.
He has since skipped the start of training camp and was formally suspended by Winnipeg, escalating a situation that has hung over the roster all preseason.
Connor, one of the most respected voices in that locker room, admitted the whole ordeal has been difficult for teammates who spent years beside Hellebuyck.
He did not hold back when asked what it would actually look like if the goaltender ever changed course.
What Connor actually said
Connor explained that simply showing back up would not be enough on its own.
He made clear that a genuine recommitment to the Jets is what matters most if Hellebuyck ever reconsiders his stance, adding that the door remains open and the respect for him personally has never gone away.
"If he just comes back, that's gonna be pretty tough situation to walk into, to be honest. But for some reason, if he changed his mind and recommits here obviously we'll welcome him with open arms..”
- Kyle Connor
- Kyle Connor
Those comments line up with what general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has said publicly, that Winnipeg wants clarity before making any final decision involving its franchise netminder.
Where things stand now
Hellebuyck carries an $8,500,000 cap hit, and Buffalo and Carolina have both been floated as possible destinations if Winnipeg ultimately grants his wish.
No trade appears close at this point, and for now the Jets are left waiting on an answer that affects far more than just who stands in their crease.
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