On Thursday, Hellebuyck’s agent, Ray Petkau, released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) verifying that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner formally requested a trade from the organization several months ago and is now taking his desires public.
“Winnipeg has been my home for my entire NHL career, and I will always be grateful for my time there,” Hellebuyck said via 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 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.
Statement from Connor Hellebuyck: pic.twitter.com/hW8sNw1LJi
— Ray Petkau (@RayPetkau) August 27, 2026
The future Hall-of-Famer has been the backbone of the Jets' franchise, racking up 345 career wins. He even reached new heights recently, taking home both the Hart and Vezina Trophies following a massive 2024-25 campaign that saw Winnipeg claim the Presidents' Trophy.
In a statement Thursday, the Jets reiterated that there were no updates on the status of trade negotiations.
“Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change. He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years, and we have tremendous respect for what he has accomplished here," the Jets said in their statement on social media. "While we continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time.”
Around the NHL Draft in late June, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes made a play for Hellebuyck by extending an offer centered around talented young defenseman Alexander Nikishin. The Buffalo Sabres have also been widely viewed as a possible fit for Hellebuyck given their newfound contention window and need for a difference maker between the pipes.