Winnipeg Jets open camp without Connor Hellebuyck as team keeps contract goalie in limbo

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

WINNIPEG — Connor Hellebuyck remains with the Winnipeg Jets, but the situation will continue until the team finds “the right deal,” NHL.com reported Sept. 17. Jets players opened training camp Thursday without him after the team suspended Hellebuyck for failing to report.

Hellebuyck’s teammates addressed the situation shortly after the suspension was reported. Jets forward Kyle Connor said, “It’s tough,” adding that teammates are “heartbroken” and that he would not speculate on the reasons until Hellebuyck speaks.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said Winnipeg is handling the trade request without letting the process become emotional or personal. He said the goal is to find a resolution that can “push this organization forward” with a different player or players, and added that Hellebuyck remains part of the Jets “until he’s not part of our family.”

NHL.com said Hellebuyck publicly confirmed on Aug. 27 that he had requested a trade earlier in the off-season. The 33-year-old is under contract for five more seasons on the seven-year, $59.5 million deal he signed Oct. 9, 2023.

The Jets missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-25. Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy three times, in 2020, 2024 and 2025, and is the franchise’s all-time leader in wins, save percentage, goals-against average and shutouts.

With camp underway and Hellebuyck unavailable, Cheveldayoff said the team is still seeking a return that matches the value of a player who has been central to the franchise, without tying the process to a specific timeline.