Connor Hellebuyck was traded in the NHL – revealing comment from Winnipeg: “The situation has overshadowed us”
A massive trade took place on Friday between the Winnipeg Jets and the New Jersey Devils, where NHL star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck moved from Winnipeg to New Jersey.
The Jets received a substantial compensation for the 33-year-old American goalie. Heading the other way were forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, and the player rights of forward prospect Alexander Commandin. The trade also included New Jersey’s second-round draft pick for the summer of 2029 and a seventh-round draft pick for 2027.
Hellebuyck’s future had been uncertain for a long time. The three-time Vezina winner had requested a trade last summer and did not report to the Jets’ training camp in the fall. The team shelved their goaltender after he refused to participate in the camp.
The end of the prolonged trade saga has brought relief to the Winnipeg team. Jets captain Adam Lowry told NHL.com that Hellebuyck’s unclear situation had weighed on the team for months.
– Relief is certainly the predominant feeling now that we finally have clarity on the matter. The situation has overshadowed us for a long time. We have always said that “Helle” is a good friend to us. It’s great to see that the matter has been resolved, he gets to play again, and he was traded to the organization he wanted. On our part, we got new players. Now we can focus on the future and no longer have to talk about this, Lowry stated.
Jets head coach Scott Arniel echoed similar sentiments, noting that the commotion surrounding the situation had caused extra distractions for the team.
– There was a lot of noise and distractions around, but the players didn’t let that affect them in the locker room. They focused on their own work. Now we can put this behind us, Arniel said.
Despite the difficulties surrounding Hellebuyck’s departure, his former teammates remember the goaltender’s achievements in Winnipeg. Jets star forward Mark Scheifele wanted to highlight the successes experienced during their years together.
– He is one of the best goaltenders in the world. He has won three Vezinas and the Hart Trophy. He helped our team achieve a lot and gave us memories that will stay in my mind forever. We have to try to find positive things in everything, and I will remember only the good things about him, Scheifele commented.
Hellebuyck represented Winnipeg for the first 11 seasons of his NHL career. He played 625 regular-season games and 58 playoff games in a Jets uniform.
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