Connor Hellebuyck Addresses Personal Safety Concerns Behind Winnipeg Exit

Connor Hellebuyck cited online death threats and family safety concerns as the primary reasons for requesting a trade away from the Winnipeg Jets.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will not start Tuesday's game against the Winnipeg Jets, despite his recent 5-0-0 record, 1.96 goals-against average, and .913 save percentage. The Devils announced the decision following Hellebuyck's 4-0 shutout victory over Toronto on Sunday, citing a desire to maintain win probability and prioritize an upcoming home-and-home series against the Washington Capitals. Backup goaltending will be utilized for the homecoming matchup, which marks the first time the Devils face the Jets since Hellebuyck was acquired in a blockbuster deal last month.

Addressing his departure from Winnipeg, Hellebuyck revealed that personal safety issues, including online death threats and incidents involving his family, forced his trade request. Although he had five years remaining on a seven-year, $59.1 million contract, the goaltender refused to report to the Jets until GM Kevin Cheveldayoff orchestrated a move. Hellebuyck acknowledged the Jets organization offered to help with these communications, but he chose not to provide the team with evidence of the threats, citing a desire for family privacy.

Coach Sheldon Keefe justified the decision to rest Hellebuyck by pointing to the Metropolitan Division schedule. While Hellebuyck expressed a desire to play in his former home arena, he stated he is prepared for the reception from fans during warmups. The goaltender maintained that while he once intended to be a "Jet for life," unforeseen circumstances regarding his family's well-being made the decision to leave necessary.