Hellebuyck Says Family Incidents Prompted Jets Trade Request

Hellebuyck spoke to reporters in Winnipeg for the first time since the Jets traded him to New Jersey on October 23. He said his family had experienced “a few moments that I don't want to see happen again,” and that the incidents went beyond online death threats. He wants to keep the details private.

The goalie said he still has affection for Winnipeg and does not want people to judge the entire city by what happened to him. He said his commitment was genuine when he agreed in October 2023 to a seven-year, $59.5 million deal that extended his contract, intending to play his whole career with the Jets.

Since then, he said, circumstances have changed, including his family’s comfort in Winnipeg and the team’s competitiveness. Hellebuyck helped the United States capture Olympic hockey gold at the Milan-Cortina Games in February. His attendance at a White House reception honoring the team drew criticism in Canada.

The Devils announced on November 9 that Hellebuyck would sit out the November 10 matchup with Winnipeg, pointing to a drop in the team's projected chances of winning. He has won all five starts since the trade.