Connor Hellebuyck broke the silence – this is why he wanted out of Winnipeg.
New Jersey Devils’ star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, 33, has opened up about his departure from the Winnipeg Jets.
Hellebuyck was traded in the NHL from Winnipeg to New Jersey on October 23 after a long transfer saga. The goaltender had previously skipped the Jets’ training camp, which led the team to put him on the shelf.
On Tuesday, Hellebuyck told the media that events concerning his family significantly influenced his decision to leave Winnipeg.
– It wasn’t just one single moment, but a series of events over a longer period. Things happened to my family that I felt crossed a line. As a husband and father, it made my decision very clear, Hellebuyck said according to Sportsnet.
Hellebuyck did not want to elaborate on the specific things his family had experienced. However, he implied that they were very serious events.
– They were more than the death threats presented online.
Hellebuyck was also asked whether playing as an American in Canada had influenced his desire to leave. He led the United States to Olympic gold in February 2026, when the team defeated Canada in the final.
– I would be lying if I said my life hasn’t changed since the Olympics. Are there difficulties in playing in Canada as an American? Absolutely. But there are also many good sides to it.
– I have built my family here and grown as a person here. I have created many important relationships. I don’t want anyone to think that I don’t love this place, Hellebuyck commented from Winnipeg.
Hellebuyck will return to Winnipeg for the first time as a Devils player on Wednesday night Finnish time when the teams meet in the NHL.
However, he will not get to play against his former team. New Jersey’s starting goaltender will be Jake Allen, while Hellebuyck will remain as the backup goaltender.
Devils GM Sunny Mehta justified the decision on Sunday based on the team’s chances of winning. According to him, playing Hellebuyck could weaken New Jersey’s chances of winning the game.
Hellebuyck would have liked to play in Winnipeg, but he stated that he respects the decision made by the team management.
Hellebuyck has started his career in New Jersey impressively. He has won all five games he has played, and his save percentage is 91.3.
