Suspended Hellebuyck casts shadow as Jets open camp without star netminder

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The absence and ensuing suspension of the three-time Vezina and 2025 Hart Trophy winner looms large, casting a dark shadow over a season meant for redemption. The Jets finished 35-35-12 last year — seventh in the Central Division and 26th overall — just one season removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the league’s best regular season.

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Hellebuyck signed a seven-year, US$69.5-million dollar extension in October 2023. At the time, he told reporters that he wanted to be a “Jet for life” and had an unwavering belief in the team’s potential to chase and win a Stanley Cup.

Just two years into the deal, Hellebuyck has had a sudden change of heart.

“There’s probably lots of whys, and unfortunately, this situation is what it is,” Cheveldayoff said. “We’ve been dealing with it for a period of time now, and just looking to find a resolution that works for both sides. But certainly for the players and the fans of the Winnipeg Jets.”

Hellebuyck publicly confirmed his desire to leave in a late-August statement from his agent, Ray Petkau, claiming the Jets have had enough time to resolve the situation.

Cheveldayoff noted the trade request first came in April, shortly after Hellebuyck helped lead the United States to Olympic Gold and immediately after Winnipeg missed the playoffs. He said the Jets received no warning about when Hellebuyck’s camp planned to go public, only that they would.

During his own season-ending press conference, Hellebuyck blasted the team’s speed, called the season “unacceptable” and something “no one wants to be a part of,” and took a shot at Cheveldayoff’s off-season decisions.

“Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion and their own thought process,” Cheveldayoff said. “(The) thought process of the team has always been to win. That has not changed, and also is the premise around the thought process of the trade. We are still trying to win. Period.”

Hellebuyck has been linked to multiple teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and Utah Mammoth, among others.

Despite a full no-movement clause, reports suggest Hellebuyck is open to joining a U.S.-based team, so long as they’re competitive. Cheveldayoff wouldn’t confirm which teams he’s spoken with and questioned the accuracy of some trade reports.

He added he wouldn’t be pressured into a move, understanding understood the magnitude of a any deal for the short- and long-term future of the Jets. He said the rest of the players have shown resilience and had a collective chip on their shoulder from last season’s disappointments.

“We’re talking about a goaltender here, which is different than talking about a centre, different than talking about a defenceman,” Cheveldayoff said. “If you’re a team that has a bona fide No. 1 goaltender … you’re probably not interested, and it’s not disparaging Connor Hellebuyck or anything like that, it’s just the goalie market in general.”

The situation intensified after the statement from Hellebuyck’s camp, with this line particularly damning: “My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”

Hellebuyck previously took exception to intense backlash following his gold-medal performance for the U.S., and for his visit to Donald Trump’s White House to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He claimed afterwards he and his family were subjected to severe harassment online.

Cheveldayoff said the team did its best to support the Hellebuyck family — providing additional security and police presence — but couldn’t provide specifics. Now, he’s focused on trying to help him find a new hockey home.

“I have to keep a level head. I can’t let emotion come into play in any regard,” Cheveldayoff said. “Connor Hellebuyck’s part of our family until he’s not part of our family.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2026.

Jeff Hamilton, The Canadian Press