Jets’ Hellebuyck Confirms Trade Request

While trade rumours have swirled around Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for months, Hellebuyck himself had never confirmed he’d asked to be traded.

That’s until today (Aug. 27). Thursday afternoon, his agent Ray Petkau posted an official statement from the 33-year-old on X (formerly Twitter) that confirms he “privately requested a trade” several months ago.

“With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request,” the statement continues. “My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”

Hellebuyck has been one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders for several seasons and has won three Vezina Trophies, two William M. Jennings Trophies, and one Hart Trophy since being drafted in the fifth round, (130th overall) by the Jets in 2012.

Last season was one of the worst of Hellebuyck’s career, however, as he posted a 23-23-11 record, 2.86 goals against average, a career-worst .895 SV%, and no shutouts. He has five years left on an seven-year deal that pays him $8.5 million annually.

It’s obvious Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s ask for Hellebuyck is very high. The Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes have made offers, but Cheveldayoff said after the 2026 NHL Draft that none were good enough to act on.

This development puts and end to the “has-he, hasn’t he” discussion. Keep following along with The Hockey Writers for more coverage on this story and the Jets as the 2026-27 season nears.