Connor Hellebuyck says incidents involving his family helped make his decision to seek a trade from the Winnipeg Jets certain, though he did not disclose what happened.

Speaking to reporters in Winnipeg on Tuesday ahead of his first visit since being traded to the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 23, Hellebuyck said the decision developed over time, Sportsnet reported.

“There was, you know, some moments and some things that happened to my family that, for me, crossed the line,” he said. “As a husband and a father, I felt (the incidents) made that decision very certain.”

Hellebuyck did not specify the incidents but said they involved “more than online death threats.”

His departure followed a prolonged dispute with the Jets, who suspended him after he failed to report for training camp, according to Sportsnet.

Asked whether winning Olympic gold with the United States against Canada in 2026 had influenced his desire to leave a Canadian market, Hellebuyck said his life had changed since the Olympics. He acknowledged difficulties as an American playing in Canada, while stressing his attachment to Winnipeg.

“I've started my family here and grew up here. I've made a lot of connections here,” he said. “I don't want anyone to think I don't love it here.”

The 33-year-old won three Vezina Trophies and a Hart Trophy with the Jets.

Hellebuyck was scheduled to back up Jake Allen against his former team. He said he had wanted to start but respected the Devils’ decision.

Sources