Connor Hellebuyck publicly requests trade from Winnipeg Jets

Connor Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2025 NHL MVP, publicly requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday via a statement posted on social media by his agent Ray Petkau, according to Yahoo Sports.

Hellebuyck is 33 years old and holds a full no-movement clause on his contract, meaning he controls which team he may join and can veto any deal the Jets propose. His contract carries five years remaining through the 2030-31 season with an average annual value of $8.5 million, per Yahoo Sports.

In his statement, Hellebuyck said he privately requested a trade several months ago and tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore options. He stated: "With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family."

Hellebuyck won a gold medal for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, per Yahoo Sports. Rumors about his trade interest circulated around the NHL Draft in late June and into the new league year beginning July 1, with the Florida Panthers frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot, according to Yahoo Sports.

Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff responded to Hellebuyck's statement, saying: "While we continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time," per Yahoo Sports. The Panthers have added goaltending this offseason: they acquired Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils, who carries two years remaining on a deal with an $6 million average annual value, and signed restricted free agent Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights to a new two-year, $4 million contract, per Yahoo Sports. Florida does not own another first-round pick until the 2030 NHL Draft, and young center Anton Lundell is a player GM Bill Zito has been extremely hesitant to dangle in any deals, according to Yahoo Sports.