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Connor Hellebuyck publicly confirms trade request from Winnipeg Jets

Photo credit: © James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

By Nation World HQ

Aug 27, 2026, 15:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 27, 2026, 15:22 EDT

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On Thursday afternoon, Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has publicly confirmed that he requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, releasing a statement through Alpha Hockey on Wednesday afternoon.

The Jets goaltender said the request was made privately several months ago, but with training camp approaching, he felt it was necessary to make his position public.

“Winnipeg has been my home for my entire NHL career, and I will always be grateful for my time there,” Hellebuyck said in the statement. 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.”

Hellebuyck was selected by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft, has spent his entire NHL career with the organization, and is currently in the third year of a seven-year extension. Over that time, he has become one of the league’s top goaltenders and one of the most important players in the Jets’ modern history.

The 33-year-old made it clear in his statement that his position has not changed since the original request was made.

“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.”

The public confirmation puts the Jets in a tricky position as the off-season draws closer to training camp. Hellebuyck has been a major part of Winnipeg’s identity for more than a decade, and moving a goaltender of his calibre would represent one of the biggest decisions the organization has made in years.

The statement does not name any preferred destinations or provide details about what led to the request, but Hellebuyck closed by thanking Jets fans for their support throughout his career.

“I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon.”

For now, the Jets are left with a clear trade request from one of the best goaltenders in the NHL and a timeline that is becoming harder to ignore with camp on the way.