Connor Hellebuyck appears poised to take center stage on the Olympic stage for the first time in his career, with Team USA expected to give the net to the reigning Hart Trophy winner when they open against Latvia on Thursday.
While USA Hockey head coach Mike Sullivan is holding off on an official announcement until Thursday morning, all signs point to Hellebuyck getting the nod. And if that’s the case, it’s a moment that’s been building for years - not just for Hellebuyck, but for American hockey fans eager to see one of the game’s premier goaltenders finally suit up on the sport’s biggest international platform.
Hellebuyck has already seen action recently in the red, white, and blue, starting three games during the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he posted a 2-1 record and a sharp .932 save percentage. That performance only reinforced what the hockey world already knows: when he's locked in, Hellebuyck is as good as it gets.
And let’s not forget the resume he’s bringing into this tournament. Over the past six seasons, he’s claimed the Vezina Trophy three times - a testament to both his consistency and his dominance between the pipes.
His 2024-25 campaign was nothing short of spectacular: 47 wins, just 12 losses, a 2.00 goals against average, and a .925 save percentage. That’s not just elite - that’s historical territory for modern NHL goaltending.
But this season has been a different story. Through 36 games with the Winnipeg Jets, Hellebuyck has struggled to find his usual rhythm.
A 13-16-7 record and a .900 save percentage aren’t the numbers we’re used to seeing next to his name. And while his 5v5 goals saved above expected sits at 3.5 - indicating he's still making some key stops - it’s clear he hasn’t quite hit the same level he did a year ago.
Still, when it comes to international play, pedigree matters. And Hellebuyck’s track record speaks volumes.
With 604 NHL games under his belt, a career .917 save percentage, and 335 wins, he brings a wealth of experience and a calming presence to the crease. For a U.S. team looking to make a deep run, that kind of veteran stability is invaluable.
Born in Commerce, Michigan, Hellebuyck has long been a staple of American goaltending excellence. Now, with the Olympic spotlight shining bright, he has a chance to cement his legacy on the international stage. If he gets the start - and all indications say he will - it’ll be a big moment not just for him, but for USA Hockey.