Overview
- Connor Hellebuyck, who publicly requested a trade in late August, did not report to training camp and was suspended by the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
- General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said the team has pursued trades for months and will not accept an offer that is not commensurate with Hellebuyck’s status as a three‑time Vezina winner and 2024–25 Hart Trophy recipient.
- Hellebuyck is under a seven‑year extension carrying about an $8.5 million average annual value and has a full no‑move clause through 2026–27, which narrows realistic destinations and gives him approval power over any deal.
- Winnipeg plans to go forward with offseason signing Stuart Skinner as its immediate starter and described the suspension as procedural, meaning Hellebuyck would not be paid and his cap hit would not count if the suspension extends into the regular season.
- The standoff has strained the locker room and public conversation, reports say previous draft‑night talks with Buffalo broke down over package details, and the thin market for starting goalies makes a timely trade uncertain.