Connor Hellebuyck said it was more than just online death threats that caused him to request a trade from the Winnipeg Jets this past NHL offseason.
Hellebuyck met with reporters in Winnipeg for the first time since the end of last season ahead of a Nov. 10 game between the New Jersey Devils and Jets. The Devils previously announced that Hellebuyck wouldn't play in Winnipeg and Hellebuyck emphasized he unsuccessfully lobbied New Jersey officials to allow him to start in net against his former team.
Hellebuyck was dealt to the Devils on Oct. 23 after skipping training camp with the Jets. The decision to leave Winnipeg, Hellebuyck said on Tuesday, was fueled by incidents involving his family.
"With all the uncertainty I was experiencing, there was some
moments and some things that happened to my family that, for me, crossed the line," Hellebuyck said, "and as a husband and a father, I felt made that decision very certain, that I needed to be a good husband and a good father and do what’s best for my family and my career.”
Hellebuyck declined to elaborate when a reporter asked if he knew for sure Winnipeg fans were being accurately blamed for what happened to his family.
“I don’t want to try to ruin the relationship I have with the city because I’m not going to judge a few moments, or I’m not going to project a few moments on the city," Hellebuyck said. "I’ve been very connected with this community and I’ve loved my time here, but there are a few moments that I don’t want to see happen again, and it is more than just online death threats and I’m going to please ask you to respect my privacy and my family’s privacy. I won’t go deeper than that, but there was more that made me and my family uncomfortable, on top of some uncertainty with my career, I felt that a change in scenery is what was best.”
Hellebuyck requested a trade quietly through the team and then went public with it in late August. He skipped training camp and was suspended by the team.
The suspension was scheduled to end Oct. 23 and the Jets traded him that day to the Devils. Winnipeg received Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command and two draft picks.
What Connor Hellebuyck said about trade request, decision to sit him vs. Jets
What Devils said about decision not to play Connor Hellebuyck
Devils general manager Sunny Mehta said in a statement that, "Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg. However, in our estimation, playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability."
A statement from Devils GM Sunny Mehta on our game Tuesday in Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/xrF8OBaHXe
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) November 9, 2026
Connor Hellebuyck addressed Jets fans last week
Hellebuyck also addressed his departure in a social media post last week.
"I know my decision to request a trade was disappointing and frustrating for so many people, especially those who supported me throughout my career," Hellebuyck said. "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 make 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."
He also praised Jets fans and the area in his post.
"To the great Jets fans who supported me and my family, thank you," he wrote. "I'll never forget the pride I felt representing Winnipeg, and I wish the Jets and the entire community nothing but the best."
Connor Hellebuyck stats with Winnipeg Jets
Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy three times in Winnipeg and was voted the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2024-25. He and the Jets went to the Western Conference finals in 2018 and won the Presidents' Trophy as top regular-season team in 2024-25.
He went 345-208-55 for the Jets with a 2.58 goals-against average, .916 save percentage and 45 shutouts.
The Jets missed the playoffs in 2025-26, a season in which Hellebuyck helped Team USA win an Olympic gold medal.
Hellebuyck is 5-0 with the Devils, recording a 1.99 goals-against average and .913 save percentage.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why isn't Connor Hellebuyck paying tonight vs. Winnipeg? Devils goalie on decision, trade request
