Winnipeg Jets teammates 'heartbroken' over Hellebuyck trade demands
The Winnipeg Jets are going through a tough situation with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck's trade demands, and it's certainly impacting their dressing room.
“Yeah, it's tough,” Jets forward Kyle Connor said just hours after Hellebuyck was suspended by the team for failing to report to camp. “As a player, all you can do is kind of deal with what's in front of you. Obviously, the news is heartbreaking being a teammate of his for so long. It's tough, it feels like we had such a special group here and for whatever reason, I can't speak to the reason until we hear from the man. I’m not going to speculate on what it is, but I know that a lot of guys in that room that are heartbroken.
“Listen, we've had adversities throughout the way, there's been injuries. For whatever reason, I look at it as a great challenge for everybody to step up their game. We all know what last year was and how much we need to improve. So, we never shy away from a challenge. There's a lot of compete in that room, and this situation is no different.”
Jets players have met with the media this week and opened up about seeing one of their long-time teammates turning his back on the franchise. It's a situation forward Kyle Connor described recently as heartbreaking.
“Listen, we've had adversities throughout the way, there's been injuries. For whatever reason, I look at it as a great challenge for everybody to step up their game. We all know what last year was and how much we need to improve. So, we never shy away from a challenge. There's a lot of compete in that room, and this situation is no different.”
Hellebuyck asked for a trade during last season's exit interviews, and while the Ottawa Senators were originally linked, it's since been confirmed Hellebuyck doesn't want to play, or live in Canada any longer. Ideally for him, the former Vezina trophy winner would get dealt to the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, or Carolina Hurricanes.
For now, the Jets shift their focus to getting off to a good start this season. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff isn't going to cave to low-ball trade offers, so it could be weeks, even months, before the Jets add any talent to their dressing room.
“…to just say it’s broken after one year is kinda silly in my opinion. I think there’s still great hockey players in there…”
— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) September 18, 2026
Jets winger Kyle Connor still believes in this team and what Winnipeg has built over the years.
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