Connor Hellebuyck's Trade Request Addressed by Jets GM amid Goalie's Camp Absence

Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff says he is willing to wait in order to find the right trade for Connor Hellebuyck despite the star netminder's refusal to report to training camp.

"This isn't necessarily a time thing for me. My obligation is to the Winnipeg Jets players and the Winnipeg Jets fans, and for me, I just want to get this right," Cheveldayoff told reporters Thursday.

Asked whether there was any prior understanding Hellebuyck would seek a trade if the Jets weren't competitive in the future, Cheveldayoff answered, "A contract is a contract in the National Hockey League, period. There are no side agreements."

The Jets have been navigating Hellebuyck's trade request since exit meetings following the regular-season finale in April, according to Cheveldayoff.

"When Connor came and asked, and requested being traded, we kept it quiet. That was partly on his request as well," Cheveldayoff said. "We tried to make that work, and we've been trying to make it work ever since."

The general manager's media availability took place the day after Hellebuyck did not report to Wednesday training camp and was subsequently suspended by the team.

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This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

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