Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has publicly demanded a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, six months after winning Olympic gold.
The 33-year-old star goaltender revealed that he had originally asked the National Hockey League team for a move in private several months ago, but decided to speak out publicly with training camp approaching.
In a statement confirming his request, Hellebuyck explained that he had tried to handle the situation respectfully to allow the organization time to assess trade options.
"Several months ago, I privately requested a trade," Hellebuyck wrote. "I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options."
"With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request," he added. "My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family. I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon."
Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acknowledged the request, confirming that the organization has been in direct communication with the netminder.
"Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change," Cheveldayoff said. "He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years and we have tremendous respect for what he has accomplished here. While we will continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time."
Career with the Winnipeg Jets
Hellebuyck has spent his entire professional career with Winnipeg since being drafted 130th overall by the Jets in 2012. He became the team's starting goaltender in 2016 and established himself as one of the top netminders in North American hockey.
During his decade with Winnipeg, Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL top goaltender three times, including in 2025. The Vezina Trophy is presented annually by the league to the player voted as the best goaltender.
Olympic Gold and Presidential Honors
The trade demand comes six months after Hellebuyck delivered a sensational performance for Team USA at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, leading the United States to a dramatic gold medal win against Canada.
Following his tournament heroics, Hellebuyck received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump, becoming the only member of the gold medal team awarded the rare honor. Trump singled out the goaltender when the squad attended the State of the Union address.
"I've never seen a goaltender play as well as goalie Connor Hellebuyck," Trump said. "(42) shots on gold. And I asked him the one shot, the one where you put your stick in the back and it hit the neck of your stick and bounced off. You practiced that? Or was that a little lucky? He refused to answer that question."
Trump also revealed that every member of the USA roster "rapidly put up their hands" when asked for a vote on awarding Hellebuyck the medal.
With training camp nearing, the Jets front office faces the task of resolving the situation as Cheveldayoff considers potential options for the veteran goalie.
