By Field Level Media
Sep 17 (Field Level Media) - Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who publicly requested a trade last month, was suspended by the team Wednesday after failing to report to training camp.
The 33-year-old veteran has spent all 11 of his NHL seasons with the Jets, winning the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goalie three times and capturing the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 2024-25.
The average annual value of Hellebuyck's seven-year contract, signed in October
2023, is $8.5 million.
Hellebuyck issued a statement through agent Ray Petkau that read, "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 (trade) request. My position has not changed. I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family."
Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will hold a press conference Thursday. No details about the terms or length of the suspension were announced.
According to multiple media reports, the Jets previously held trade talks with the Buffalo Sabres regarding Hellebuyck. The Utah Mammoth, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils also reportedly have interest.
Hellebuyck had a down season by his standards in 2025-26, finishing 23-23-11 with a 2.86 goals-against average and a career-worst .895 save percentage. Winnipeg failed to make the playoffs, going 35-35-12.
The prior season, en route to the Hart and Vezina honors, he went 47-12-3 with a .925 save percentage and league-best figures in GAA (2.00) and shutouts (eight).
Overall in 625 NHL games, Hellebuyck has a 345-208-55 record with a 2.58 GAA and a .916 save percentage.
He also led Team USA to the gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.
The Jets open the preseason against the host Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, and they start the regular season at home against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 2.
(--Field Level Media)
