Connor Hellebuyck, 33, revealed that his bitter departure from the Winnipeg Jets after eleven seasons was driven by family threats and security concerns ahead of his team’s match against his former club, according to statements reported by Hockeynews, Aftonbladet, and Expressen.
The star goaltender met the press before the match between Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils to explain the background of his exit. Hellebuyck explained that the decision ultimately came down to protecting his family after incidents crossed a line that he could not accept.
Hellebuyck spent eleven seasons representing the Winnipeg Jets, but the conclusion of his time with the club turned turbulent. Winnipeg responded to the player’s strike by both suspending and fining him.
Addressing the media, the 33-year-old explained that the situation involved incidents targeting his family that went past digital harassment. Det var mer än bara dödshot online,
Hellebuyck said, adding that Jag var tvungen att vara en bra man och pappa och göra det som var bäst för min familj och min karriär.
He noted that there were multiple situations that made both him and his family uncomfortable, though he chose not to go into further detail about those events. In combination with career uncertainty, he felt a change of environment was necessary.
Now belonging to the New Jersey Devils, Hellebuyck returned to Manitoba for the matchup against his former team. However, the New Jersey organization decided that the goaltender will not play in the game.
During his years in Winnipeg, Hellebuyck and the Jets enjoyed strong regular-season success, though the team won only five playoff series during his tenure. Efter att ha vunnit ett OS-guld med USA i februari blev han en av flera amerikanska stjärnor som begärde att få lämna sin dåvarande NHL-klubb, med spelare som Dylan Larkin och Brady Tkachuk som också framförde önskemål om trejder.
Throughout his career, the goaltender holds a 90.3 percent save percentage in the Stanley Cup playoffs. His last three postseasons proved particularly difficult for the American, posting save percentages of 88.6, 87.0, and 86.6 respectively. Last year, Hellebuyck guarded the American goal when the nation secured its first Olympic gold medal since 1980, while Winnipeg Jets missed the playoffs.
Nu när beslutet är fattat har Hellebuyck fyra säsonger kvar på sitt kontrakt med New Jersey Devils efter den innevarande säsongen. The start of his time in New Jersey has been strong, as he has won all five games he has played, maintaining a 91.3 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average per game.
Earlier coverage: Hellebuyck: Family Incidents Were Major Factor in Jets Trade Request
