U.S. Olympic gold-medal goalie Connor Hellebuyck confirmed that he has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets.
In a statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau, on Thursday, Aug. 27, Hellebuyck said, "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.
"I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope that a resolution can be reached soon."
Statement from Connor Hellebuyck: pic.twitter.com/hW8sNw1LJi
— Ray Petkau (@RayPetkau) August 27, 2026
What Connor Hellebuyck trade request means
Hellebuyck's confirmation means a game-changing goalie is on the market. He is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner who won the award for outstanding goalie back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. He was voted the Hart Trophy winner in 2025.
He also was named the best goaltender at the 2026 Winter Olympics and was particularly strong in the championship game, making 41 saves in a 2-1 overtime win against Canada that gave the USA its first gold medal since 1980. He wasn't as strong in the regular season as the Jets missed the playoffs one season after having the league's best record.
The goalie is entering the third year of a seven-year deal that averages $8.5 million a year.
The Jets signed Stuart Skinner to a two-year deal in the offseason and he would be the No. 1 goalie in Winnipeg unless the team lands a goaltender in a trade.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said at the draft that he had been listening to offers on Hellebuyck but didn't answers questions about whether the goalie had asked for a trade.
“What I’ve been hearing hasn’t made me act,” he said in June.
U.S. Olympians' trade requests
If moved, Hellebuyck would join Brady Tkachuk as a traded player from the 2026 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team. The former Ottawa Senators captain has joined brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, another U.S. Olympian, also has requested a trade.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck confirms trade request
