Jets GM continues exploring trade for suspended goalie Connor Hellebuyck: 'I just want to get this right'
· Yahoo Sports
Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff told reporters on Thursday that he continues to seek a resolution following the trade request from Connor Hellebuyck, one day after suspending the goaltender for failing to report to training camp.
“Unfortunately this situation is what it is. We’ve been dealing with it for a period of time now. Just looking to find a resolution that works for both sides,” Cheveldayoff said, adding that the door is open should Hellebuyck want to stay in Winnipeg.
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The GM did not disclose Hellebuyck’s reasons for wanting out, only saying that the request was made during April exit meetings. Hellebuyck did not go public with his desire to leave until late August.
“The choices that he makes are the choices that he makes,” Cheveldayoff said.
What has dragged the situation out to this point is the three-time Vezina Trophy winner’s preferred destinations already have No. 1 goaltenders in place. Hellebuyck’s contract, which sees him signed through the 2030-31 season and carrying an $8.5 million salary cap hit, includes a full no-move clause.
Along those lines, Cheveldayoff reportedly has not received a trade proposal that is "fair value in return for an elite-level goaltender in Hellebuyck with years remaining on his contract,” according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
"My obligation is to the Winnipeg Jets. I just want to get this right,” Cheveldayoff said.
Cheveldayoff also noted that there was no "gentleman's agreement" with Hellebuyck that a trade would be pursued if the goaltender decided he wanted out.
“A contract is a contract in the National Hockey League. Period,” Cheveldayoff said. “There are no side agreements, there’s no gentlemen agreements. The league doesn’t allow for that, so any notion around that would not have any merit.”
The Jets drafted Hellebuyck 12th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. The franchise failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season and has advanced beyond the second round just once since moving from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011.
Along with his three Vezinas, Hellebuyck is a three-time NHL First-team All-Star, the 2024-25 Hart Trophy winner as league MVP, and backstopped the United States to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
It’s unclear how long Hellebuyck’s will remain out of training camp and the Jets will go with Stuart Skinner, who was signed in July, as their top option in net. For now, Cheveldayoff said he’s not operating under any deadline to consummate a trade.
"Connor Hellebuyck's part of our family until he isn't part of our family.”