Connor Hellebuyck Writes Letter to Jets Fans, Explains Reasons for Trade Request After Devils Move

New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck pointed toward "challenging circumstances involving my family" when explaining why he wanted to leave Winnipeg in an Instagram post Wednesday directed toward Jets fans.

"I know my decision to request a trade was disappointing and frustrating for many people, especially those who supported me throughout my career. I understand those feelings, and I want everyone to know it was an extremely difficult decision," Hellebuyck wrote.

"There were several considerations that went into my decision, including some very challenging circumstances involving my family. After a lot of thought and discussion, we ultimately felt that making a change was the best thing for our family. We've chosen to keep those personal circumstances private, and I hope people can respect that."

Hellebuyck confirmed in August he had requested a trade from the Jets before declining to report to training camp. The Jets suspended him for the first month of the season before trading him Oct. 24 to the Devils.

The goaltender said in his initial statement confirming his trade request he felt "moving on is the best path forward for me and my family."

He said shortly after the trade he wanted to share a message to Jets fans but would wait until after the Jets played the Montreal Canadiens in the Oct. 25 Heritage Classic.

The Jets acquired a package including Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws and Nick Bjugstad as well as the signing rights to 2026 first-round pick Alexander Command and a 2029 second-rounder in exchange for the netminder.

Hellebuyck, 33, posted the lowest save percentage of his career with a .895 mark during the Jets' 35-35-12 finish to last season.

He was just one campaign removed from back-to-back Vezina Trophy wins at the time, however. Hellebuyck has looked closer to form in through three starts in New Jersey, where the Devils have gone 3-0 in front of his .900 save percentage.

The Jets had gotten off to 4-1-1 start to the season during Hellebuyck's suspension, but followed that with a nine-game losing streak.

Hellebuyck's statement was released shortly after Winnipeg snapped out of the skid by completing the latest four-goal comeback in NHL history Tuesday night at the Montreal Canadiens.

The post also comes shortly before Hellebuyck heads back to the Canada Life Centre for the first time since the trade when the Jets host the Devils next Tuesday. He is the latest player to face a team from which he requested a trade following the Florida Panthers' Brady Tkachuk, who was met with boos and chants in his recent return to Ottawa.