Connor Hellebuyck has turned months of rumor into something official.
The Winnipeg Jets goaltender, whose future had been the subject of steady speculation since the spring, publicly confirmed Thursday that he privately asked for a trade several months ago. Hellebuyck said he had tried to keep the matter quiet while the Jets explored their options, but with training camp nearing, he decided it was time to go public.
“Winnipeg has been my home for my entire NHL career, and I will always be grateful for my time there,” he said.
“Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I 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.”
Jets general manager Kevin Chevaldayoff responded less than two hours later, acknowledging Hellebuyck’s stance without offering any new direction.
“Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change,” he said. “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. While we will continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time.”
The possibility of a Hellebuyck move has been out in the open for three months. In May, TFP’s David Pagnotta reported on the DFO Rundown Insider Edition with Irfaan Gaffar that Winnipeg was already in trade discussions with teams about the star netminder. By early June, it had also been reported that Hellebuyck wanted out, and he climbed to No. 7 on TFP’s Summer Trade Watch List.
Several clubs were linked along the way. The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes were among the teams talking with the Jets early on, while the New Jersey Devils later surfaced in the mix. The Buffalo Sabres emerged as a serious contender, too, and when a potential deal between Winnipeg and Buffalo collapsed and talks broke off on the first day of the NHL Draft, the noise around Hellebuyck briefly quieted down.
Now the situation is back in the spotlight. The Sabres are still believed to have serious interest, and Hellebuyck’s public statement could push things forward with Buffalo or another team that wants to make a run at him.
Hellebuyck, 33, is in the third season of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract and has a full no-movement clause. He is willing to accept a move to the Sabres and several other teams.
Last season, he went 23-23-11 with a 2.86 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage in what was, by his standards, an off-year.
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