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Team USA goaltending hero Connor Hellebuyck has publicly confirmed rumors that he has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets.
The 33-year-old from Commerce, Michigan, has spent his entire NHL career with the Jets and has won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender three times.
However, the Jets took a step back last season, and on Wednesday, Jets executive vice president and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said that the team was entertaining offers for Hellebuyck.
"Certainly, as an organization we're going to listen," he said per NHL.com. "Everyone saw (Hellebuyck's) press conference at the end of the year. He was passionate. Certainly, in our exit meetings we had some frank conversations as well, but again, what happens in those meetings certainly stays private."
On Thursday, Hellebuyck confirmed that he had asked to move on from the team.
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"I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options," Hellebuyck said in a statement shared by his agent. "With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed. I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family."
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Hellebuyck debuted with the Jets in 2015-16 and has become one of the league's premier netminders and one of the Jets' centerpieces.
After Hellebuyck confirmed his trade request, Cheveldayoff released a statement.
"Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change," it reads. "He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years, and we have tremendous respect for what he has accomplished here. While we will continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time."
Hellebuyck's stellar 41-save performance in the gold medal game against Canada at the 2025 Olympics in Milan was key to the US winning men's gold for the first time since the 1980 Miracle on Ice team.
It also led President Trump to announce earlier this year during the State of the Union address that Hellebuyck would be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
