WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets have suspended Connor Hellebuyck after the star goaltender failed to report to training camp, pushing an already-public trade request into a new stage.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said Thursday that Hellebuyck missed Wednesday’s medicals and team dinner at the opening of training camp, prompting the suspension. Captain Adam Lowry has urged the players to focus on preparing for the season rather than speculating about how the situation will be resolved.
The 33-year-old made his trade request public Aug. 27, saying through agent Ray Petkau that he had privately asked Winnipeg for a move several months earlier.
“My position has not changed. I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family,” Hellebuyck said.
The Jets acknowledged the request the same day. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said Hellebuyck had been open with the organization about wanting a change and that Winnipeg would continue working through the situation.
Hellebuyck has spent his entire 11-season NHL career with Winnipeg. He won the Hart Trophy as league MVP and his third Vezina Trophy in 2024-25, going 47-12-3 with a 2.00 goals-against average, .925 save percentage and eight shutouts as the Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy.
Last season went very differently. Hellebuyck finished 23-23-11 with a 2.86 goals-against average and .895 save percentage in 57 games as Winnipeg missed the playoffs. He missed four weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery before returning in December, then helped the United States win Olympic gold in February.
Hellebuyck is entering the third season of the seven-year, $59.5 million contract he signed in October 2023. The deal carries an $8.5 million annual cap hit.
The suspension does not resolve the larger issue. Winnipeg still controls Hellebuyck’s contract, Hellebuyck still wants to be traded, and the Jets are beginning camp without their three-time Vezina Trophy winner.
