Winnipeg Jets fans greeted former goaltender Connor Hellebuyck with loud boos during the New Jersey Devils’ pregame warmups at Canada Life Centre on Tuesday, signaling a hostile homecoming following his contentious trade request. The Jets earned an emotional 4-2 victory, extending their win streak to four games while halting New Jersey’s at five.
The victory was bolstered by goals from Dawson Mercer and Kyle Connor to seal the outcome.
A statement from Devils GM Sunny Mehta on our game Tuesday in Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/xrF8OBaHXe
Hellebuyck, who spent 11 seasons in Winnipeg after being selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft, broke his silence regarding his trade demand during a press conference held prior to the game.
He cited “very challenging circumstances” involving his family, specifically noting that online death threats and other incidents “crossed the line.” “I have two young kids and I want to be present as much as I can be,” Hellebuyck said when explaining his decision to seek a change of scenery.
Connor Hellebuyck hears it in Winnipeg 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/qZy7qhcmM5
The goaltender, who won the Vezina Trophy three times (2019-20, 2023-24, 2024-25) and the Hart Trophy in 2024-25, said his life changed after Team USA’s gold-medal win over Canada at the Olympics. When asked if the political fallout from that victory—including visits to the White House—played a role in his decision to leave Canada, Hellebuyck responded, “I’m sure it did a little bit.”
He emphasized that he did not want to ruin his relationship with the city. “I’m not going to tell anyone what’s right or what’s wrong and how you should feel and how you should act,” Hellebuyck said. “I’m sure it will take some time, but I’m going to choose the love I have for this city and everyone in the community.”
The decision to bench Hellebuyck for his return to Winnipeg sparked debate. Mehta released a statement noting that “Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play,” but the organization concluded that his participation would “potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability.”
The trade, which occurred on October 23 after Hellebuyck refused to report to training camp, resulted in a suspension. In the deal, Winnipeg received forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, the rights to prospect Alexander Command, and two draft picks, including a second-round selection in 2029 and a seventh-round selection in 2027.
Jets head coach Scott Arniel shares his thoughts on Connor Hellebuyck not starting in his return to Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/fSBrsqTvRl
The impact of the roster changes was evident on the ice Tuesday. Mercer opened the scoring for the Jets at 7:54, while Cody Glass tied the score for New Jersey in the second period before Winnipeg pulled ahead for good. The teams are scheduled to face each other again on November 28 at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, a prospect that Arniel suggested would likely reignite the conversation surrounding the trade.
Earlier coverage: Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood struggles after tough outings
“I've had all of my career accomplishments here, and I don't want any of this to change any of that.” In his return to Winnipeg, Connor Hellebuyck reflects on the city and his time as a Jet.https://t.co/qvD7scqGss
More on Connor Hellebuyck
“I needed to be a good husband and good father, and do what’s best for my family and my career.” Connor Hellebuyck explained that some things his family experienced while in Winnipeg "crossed the line" and made his decision to request a trade "very certain". When asked about… pic.twitter.com/i8v5gBxMP5
Hellebuyck not starting @ Winnipeg a ‘disappointment,’ Scott Arniel says. "This has been throughout the summer, it’s been through our training camp, it’s been all the way thru the trade & now it’s continued on. I was just kind of hoping it would be done.”https://t.co/BdHEMggtax
“Right away, he very boldly said: ‘I feel it's my duty to play in this game.’ ” Connor Hellebuyck says he wants to face the music in Winnipeg. But the Devils looked at workload and conditioning and "win probability" and stressors and are denying a moment: https://t.co/lV2ckpcW0N pic.twitter.com/EAvhSX8UE9
