Connor Hellebuyck addresses his decision to leave the Winnipeg Jets after 11 seasons© NDTV Library
Connor Hellebuyck heard the reaction from Winnipeg Jets fans before Tuesday’s game, even though he was not going to play against his former team. Fans chanted “Helle sucks” and “coward” as the New Jersey Devils goalie took the ice for pregame warmups at Canada Life Centre. His return had already drawn attention after New Jersey announced that he would not start because of an organizational decision. But Hellebuyck also used his first meeting with Winnipeg media since leaving the team to explain why he had asked for a trade, pointing to concerns involving his family and his career.
Hellebuyck Says Family Concerns Played a Major Role in Leaving Winnipeg
Hellebuyck said there was no single incident behind his decision. He described a period of uncertainty and said some things that happened to his family crossed a line. He did not provide further details, asking reporters to respect his family’s privacy.
“There’s no one singular moment that wasn’t important in all of this decision-making and this is over a span of time,” Hellebuyck said. “I will say 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. 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.”
He also said he did not want his decision to damage his relationship with Winnipeg as a whole. Hellebuyck spent 11 seasons with the Jets and said he remained connected to the community despite the experiences that made his family uncomfortable.
Devils Decision to Sit Hellebuyck Adds to His Winnipeg Return
Hellebuyck said he had asked Devils coach Sheldon Keefe and general manager Sunny Mehta to let him play, but accepted their decision after discussing it with them. Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel had expressed disappointment with the decision, saying Hellebuyck had “just gave up on us.” The goalie said that comment hurt, although he understood the emotions involved.
His departure followed a difficult end to last season, when Winnipeg missed the playoffs. Hellebuyck made his trade request public on Aug. 27 and did not report to training camp in September, leading to a suspension. The Jets traded him to New Jersey on Oct. 23.
Hellebuyck had a 5-0-0 record with the Devils, a 1.96 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage entering Tuesday. During his Winnipeg career, he won the Vezina Trophy three times and the Hart Trophy in 2024-25.
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