When the Jets’ season came to an end in April, there were plenty of questions surrounding a Winnipeg team that was just one year removed from capturing the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s top regular-season club in 2024-25.
Among the biggest storylines was the future of Connor Hellebuyck. During the club’s end-of-season media availability, the franchise goaltender paused for nearly eight seconds when asked whether the disappointment of another early exit would cause him to re-evaluate his future in Winnipeg. The moment immediately fueled speculation about what might come next.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Given the frustration surrounding a season that fell well short of expectations, Hellebuyck’s comments were widely interpreted as a challenge to an organization that had once again failed to translate regular-season success into a deep playoff run.
The discussion lingered for weeks afterward, but there was little concrete evidence to suggest it would lead anywhere significant. Despite the noise, few expected the three-time Vezina Trophy winner to be wearing a different uniform by the start of the following season.
As the NHL Draft approached, speculation surrounding Hellebuyck’s future reached a fever pitch, with the veteran goaltender linked to a growing list of teams. Despite the mounting rumours, reports suggested the Jets were in no rush to make a move.
TSN’s Darren Dreger indicated that the offers Winnipeg had received to that point had fallen short of the organization’s asking price. Rather than move one of the league’s premier goaltenders for less than fair value, the Jets appeared prepared to hold onto Hellebuyck and revisit the situation at a later date.
That stance would eventually change as the three-time Vezina winner got things moving again weeks before training camp when his agent Ray Petkau came out with a public statement saying Hellebuyck had asked privately for a trade months prior and still believed that was the way forward.
Almost two months later, we learned via Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman that after skipping training camp, Hellebuyck had informed the Jets in early October that he was prepared to rejoin the team as the regular season got underway and players began receiving their paycheques. Winnipeg subsequently used provisions in the CBA to suspend the goaltender until October 23rd, a development Friedman reported on Saturday, October 17th. As you might expect, the news only fuelled further speculation about Hellebuyck’s future with the organization.
One final twist happened on Thursday, October 22nd as Darren Dreger indicated that to avoid the Heritage Classic being overshadowed the team and Hellebuyck’s camp might postpone it until after the weekend in Winnipeg. Today, Dreger indicated that trade talks were heating up.
Elliotte Freidman then got involved saying he was hearing it was going to be a trade with the Devils.
The speculation has now become reality. The Winnipeg Jets have traded Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils but we are still waiting to hear about the return. Regardless it brings to an end to a tenure that saw him establish himself as the greatest goaltender in franchise history.
As per Friedman the return is Dawson Mercer (averages 20 goals in his five NHL seasons), Alexander Command (2026 12th overall pick), goalie Nico Daws and Nick Bjugstad (onr LTIR) as well as two draft picks (2nd in 2029 and 7th in 2027).
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
The move closes the book on a relationship that, at times, appeared unbreakable. Hellebuyck repeatedly expressed his desire to win in Winnipeg and remained one of the organization’s most important leaders both on and off the ice. But in the end, a combination of circumstances led both sides down a different path.
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