Connor Hellebuyck has made his trade request from the Winnipeg Jets public, confirming on Wednesday afternoon through Alpha Hockey that he asked out of Winnipeg several months ago.
The 33-year-old said he had tried to keep the matter quiet while giving the organization time to work through its options, but with training camp nearing, he felt it was time to state his position openly. He also said nothing has changed since the original request.
“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.”
“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.”
Hellebuyck was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft and has spent his entire NHL career with the franchise. He is in the third year of a seven-year extension and has grown into one of the league’s top goaltenders, as well as one of the most significant players in Jets history.
The public nature of the request leaves Winnipeg facing a difficult decision as the offseason moves closer to camp. Dealing a goalie of Hellebuyck’s caliber would be one of the biggest calls the organization has had to make in years.
The statement did not include any preferred destinations or explain what prompted the request. Hellebuyck ended by thanking Jets fans for their support throughout his career.
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