Connor Hellebuyck to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Connor Hellebuyck is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom following Team USA’s gold-medal run at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
2/25/20261 min read
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom following Team USA’s gold-medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics. President Donald Trump announced the intent to award Hellebuyck the nation’s highest civilian honor during remarks recognizing the team’s championship performance.¹
Hellebuyck, 32, backstopped the United States to Olympic gold, finishing the tournament with a .931 save percentage and a 1.84 goals-against average across six appearances.² He recorded two shutouts during the medal round, including a 29-save performance in the gold-medal game.²
At the NHL level, Hellebuyck has served as the starting goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets since 2016. He has surpassed 275 regular-season wins and owns a career save percentage above .915.³ He won the Vezina Trophy in 2020 as the league’s top goaltender and has received multiple All-Star selections.³
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to national interests, security, world peace, or cultural endeavors.¹ The announcement places Hellebuyck among a limited group of professional athletes publicly designated to receive the distinction while still active in competition.
Formal scheduling of the award ceremony has not yet been announced.¹
Sources
1. Presidential remarks recognizing Team USA, February 2026.
2. International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), 2026 Olympic tournament statistics.
3. NHL.com and Pro Hockey Reference, Connor Hellebuyck career statistics.
