Connor Hellebuyck posted a letter to Winnipeg Jets fans on Wednesday, stating that several factors led to his trade request, including “challenging circumstances involving my family.”
Hellebuyck was traded to the New Jersey Devils in October after initially refusing to attend training camp with the Jets in hopes of seeing his trade request honoured. He was subsequently suspended for the first three weeks of the season and then dealt on the day his suspension was set to end.
The letter comes ahead of Hellebuyck’s return to Winnipeg as a member of the Devils, which is scheduled for Tuesday at the Canada Life Centre.
“When I think about my years in Winnipeg, I’ll always be grateful for the life my family and I built there and for the people who became such an important part of it,” Hellebuyck wrote in the statement posted to his Instagram. “It’s where I grew as a player and where we started our family.
“One of the things I’ve always loved about Manitoba is the connection people have to the outdoors. With so many beautiful lakes and places to enjoy nature, it’s a special part of life there. Some of my favourite memories away from the rink will always be the time I spent on the water fishing.
“I know my decision to request a trade was disappointing and frustrating for many people, especially those who supported me throughout my career. I understand those feelings, and I want everyone to know it was an extremely difficult decision. There were several considerations that went into my decision, including some very challenging circumstances involving my family. After a lot of thought and discussion, we ultimately felt that making a change was the best thing for our family. We’ve chosen to keep those personal circumstances private, and I hope people can respect that. I’m sincerely grateful to Mark Chipman, Kevin Cheveldayoff and the entire Jets organization for the opportunity they gave me and the trust they showed in me over the years.
“To my teammates, coaches, trainers, equipment staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for your friendships, support and memories that I will always carry with me. To the great Jets fans who supported me and my family, thank you. I’ll never forget the pride I felt representing Winnipeg, and I wish the Jets and the entire community nothing but the best.”
Hellebuyck is off to an undefeated start to the season with the Devils, posting a 3-0 record with a .900 save percentage and a 1.95 goals-against average.
The Devils sent prospect Alexander Command, who was just drafted 12th overall in June, forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, a 2027 seventh-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick all to Winnipeg in their blockbuster deal to acquire the netminder on Oct. 23.
His early success has pointed towards a bounce back season after down year following a dominant 2024-25 season in which he took home the Hart, Vezina and William M. Jennings trophies.
The 33-year-old netminder appeared in 57 games last season, his lowest total since the 2020-21 season, but also started five games for Team USA at the Olympics en route to winning gold.
He posted the worst save percentage of his career at .895 – the first time he’s fallen below .900 - in 2025-26, to go along with a 2.86 goals-against average and a 23-23-11 record.
Hellebuyck signed a contract extension with the Jets in October 2023, which carries an annual cap hit of $8.5 million through the 2030-31 season. He forfeited more than $750,000 while suspended by the Jets.