Tis the season for exit interviews, and we’ve already borne witness to Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews’ eyebrow-raising stance. Now, it’s time for another one of Team USA’s gold medal winners to put their cards on the table. And Winnipeg Jets star Connor Hellebuyck did just that in his exit interview.
If anyone expected diplomatic, withdrawn statements from the former Hart Trophy winner, that wasn’t to be. Hellebuyck made his grievances crystal clear, in a move that appears to have already given rise to trade speculation.
Connor Hellebuyck Blasts Winnipeg Jets, Incites Trade Speculation
Hellebuyck started off by lamenting the state of the Jets, calling the team’s effort “unacceptable.” He then proceeded to question if the Jets really can build a contender, given they’ve not exactly made themselves a free agent destination. Winnipeg reportedly lands up on a number of no-trade clauses, and also has had a lot of trouble attracting big-name free agents even when they’re floating towards the top of the standings.
Then came the most interesting part.
“I don’t want to go and leave any speculation,” Hellebuyck said after a pregnant pause. “I love this city, and I love playing here. The fans have given me so much, and I’ve given so much to the fans. There’s a real connection there. I wish more people around the league would see that and could see that.”
Here’s the video of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck being asked if this #NHLJets season will cause him to re-evaluate his future, pausing for ~7 seconds, and then getting into his full answer: pic.twitter.com/Zjr1sLbmnn
— Connor Hrabchak (@ConnorHrabchak1) April 17, 2026
Hellebuyck added that, like every other team that missed the playoffs, he doesn’t feel “amazing” about winning a Stanley Cup next season.
“No player out of the playoffs is going to say that. But you make your decisions, and you live by them. As time goes by, you try to re-evaluate and then, honestly, as an athlete, the only thing you can do is put your best foot forward,” the Jets goalie noted.
ESPN insider Greg Wyshynski wasted little time speculating about where Connor Hellebuyck could land this summer, placing two teams firmly in the mix. “Panthers or Devils, what do you think?” Wyshynski wrote.
Per Wyshynski himself, the Florida Panthers appear to be at odds with Sergei Bobrovsky, in a turn of events that could see the Stanley Cup champ walk this summer. The New Jersey Devils, meanwhile, will hardly pass up the opportunity to add a Hart Trophy and three-time Vezina Trophy winner to their roster.
Back in March, insider David Pagnotta reported that the Jets’ brass still sees this Hellebucyk-led core as one to build around, especially given the dearth of big-name talent in 2026 free agency. However, with Hellebuyck sounding like his patience is wearing thin, could Winnipeg be convinced to take one step back, trade Hellebuyck, and accumulate some capital to go after some names on the trade market?
It would be a one step back, two steps forward move, but we’ll have to wait and see if the Jets have it in them to gamble for a brighter future.
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