Did the NHL Make A Mistake Of Letting Players Head To The Olympics?

The Connor Hellebuyck trade request, it marks the end of an era in Winnipeg. The Jets goaltender has been a star in their system since his career in the NHL began in 2015-16. His tenure has been marked by mediocrity, with five runs to the playoffs during Hellebuyck's time wearing the Jets crest. 

It's just another one of an NHL player's trade requests, which has been a sign that American players haven't been happy with their own teams at the moment.

Hellebuyck is one of four other Team USA players who've made a request, and the only trade request that appears to have been successful was former Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk, who has joined his brother Matt in Florida. 

NHLers are really never going back to the Olympics, are they? As an American, blame the Americans.

Players wanting out *that we know of*

- Zach Werenski (rescinded)
- Dylan Larkin
- Brady Tkachuk (only wanted FLA)
- Connor Hellebuyck

— NHL Review (@nhl_review) August 27, 2026

The trade requests that manifest after the 2026 Olympics show that the NHL may have to reconsider these types of requests as an issue to be addressed in the next NHL CBA, which will expire in 2030. 

There has been an adjustment to the regular season to 84 games, and LTIR rules have had a significant impact on how teams operate during the postseason. 

 Will this be the next big focus in the Board of Governors' meetings and the NHLPA? 

It seems topical, considering how many big-name stars, including Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Brady Tkachuk, and now Connor Hellebuyck, have acted in their own self-interest over their teams this postseason. 

Ideas have been floated which includes getting rid of no-movement clauses when a request happens, but it hardly seems like a priority for the NHLPA, whose main focus is protecting players and negotiating on their behalf.