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NHL Star Connor Hellebuyck Confirms Trade Request from Jets

PUBLISHED Aug 28, 2026, 11:51 AM ET

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NHL Star Connor Hellebuyck Confirms Trade Request from Jets

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Sources: 14

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Sources: 14

Three-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck publicly confirmed Thursday that he has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, the only NHL organization he has played for in his 11-season career. In a statement released by his agent Ray Petkau, Hellebuyck said he privately made the request several months ago but decided to go public with training camp set to open Sept. 16. “My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family,” Hellebuyck said. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acknowledged he has been working to trade the player but offered no update. Hellebuyck, 33, is entering the third year of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract with an $8.5 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause. He backstopped the U.S. to Olympic gold in February but posted a career-worst .895 save percentage last season as Winnipeg missed the playoffs. Trade rumors swirled around the draft in June, but no deal materialized. The Jets signed goaltender Stuart Skinner in free agency on July 1. No trade is imminent.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

June 2012: Jets draft Hellebuyck in fifth round, 130th overall.
· 2015-16: Hellebuyck begins NHL career, all with Winnipeg.
· 2018: Jets reach Western Conference Finals, franchise's deepest run.
· October 2023: Hellebuyck signs seven-year, $59.5 million extension.
· 2024-25: Hellebuyck wins Hart Trophy, Vezina, Jets win Presidents' Trophy.
· February 2026: Hellebuyck leads USA to Olympic gold, 41 saves.
· April 2026: Hellebuyck questions Jets' Cup contention in exit interview.
· July 1, 2026: Jets sign goaltender Stuart Skinner to two-year deal.
· August 27, 2026: Hellebuyck publicly confirms trade request via agent.
· August 27, 2026: Cheveldayoff responds, says no update on trade.
· September 16, 2026: Jets training camp opens; pressure for resolution.
· October 2, 2026: Jets season opener vs. Bruins; Hellebuyck's status uncertain.
· 2026-27 season: Hellebuyck likely traded to contender before deadline.
· 2030-31: Hellebuyck's contract expires; final year of deal.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: US Olympic hero's trade request dominates NHL headlines.
· Possible long-term US impact: Star goalie's move could reshape Eastern Conference power.
· Most affected groups: Jets fans, NHL general managers, Buffalo Sabres, Stuart Skinner.
· Reader priority: Monitor trade rumors; verify official team and agent statements.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 14
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 14

Explain Framing

Left: Insufficient evidence; coverage focused on player empowerment and organizational failure. Center: Neutral reporting on trade request, contract details, and GM response. Right: Coverage emphasizes Olympic heroism and player's right to pursue championship.

Primary Source

publication_date: August 27, 2026 trigger_description: Agent Ray Petkau releases Hellebuyck's trade request statement publicly. https://frontend.d3.nhle.com/news/connor-hellebuyck-winnipeg-jets-trade-request

Media Bias