Eleven seasons in one city, and now a suspension
Connor Hellebuyck did not report to training camp. The Winnipeg Jets suspended him on Wednesday. The team did not announce how long the move will last or whether it carries any financial penalty.
The 33-year-old goalie made his trade request public last month. Nothing has changed since then. His agent, Ray Petkau, put out a statement on his behalf as the suspension landed.
“I have tried to handle this quietly and respectfully, giving the organization time to explore its options. With camp approaching, I felt it was important to confirm my request publicly. My position has not changed. I believe moving on is the best option for me and my family,” it read.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will speak to reporters on Thursday.
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625 games, three Vezinas, one Hart
Hellebuyck has only ever known Winnipeg. Eleven seasons, 625 games, a career record of 345-208-55 and a .916 save percentage. Three Vezina Trophies. A Hart Trophy in 2024-25, a rare nod for a goalie.
That season, he went 47-12-3 with a 2.00 goals-against average, a .925 save percentage and eight shutouts. He also backstopped Team USA to Olympic gold in Milano Cortina in 2026.
Last season was a very different story. 23-23-11, a 2.86 goals-against average, a .895 save percentage and the worst numbers of his career. The Jets missed the playoffs and finished 35-35-12.
A contract that makes this messy
The deal signed in October 2023 runs for seven years at $8.5 million per season. That is the big hurdle for Winnipeg, which now needs a club willing to take on the money.
Talks with the Buffalo Sabres went nowhere. According to several North American outlets, the Utah Mammoth, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are also keeping tabs on the situation.
The clock is ticking. Winnipeg opens its preseason on Saturday in Edmonton and starts the regular season on 2 October at home against Boston.
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