Everything Connor Hellebuyck Said About End of Jets Tenure, Devils Trade, More Ahead of Return

New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck pointed to what he indicated was harassment of his family when explaining his request to leave the Winnipeg Jets after 11 years with the organization.

Hellebuyck discussed his trade request with reporters before a Tuesday night game during which he is slated to back up Jake Allen in his return to Winnipeg.

"I will say, with all the uncertainty I was experiencing, there was some moments and some things that happened to my family that, for me, crossed the line," Hellebuyck said. "And as a husband and a father, I felt made that decision very certain."

Hellebuyck had previously cited "some very challenging circumstances involving my family" in a social media statement explaining his trade request.

The Jets had Hellebuyck under contract through 2030-31 when he refused to report to training camp this fall. He was subsequently suspended before getting traded Oct. 24 to the Devils.

"When you make a decision like this, I feel like it's got to be all or nothing, and I don't want to separate my family at all," Hellebuyck said about sitting out training camp. "And if I did have to come back it was going to be one of those scenarios where it was just me, and I have two young kids."

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said in September he hadn't been "fully aware of the extent" to which Hellebuyck's family had experienced harassment.

When asked about the Jets saying they hadn't been informed about the situation, Hellebuyck pointed to his family's desire for privacy.

"I don't want to try to ruin the relationship I have with the city, because I'm not going to project a few moments on the entire city... but there are a few moments that I don't want to see happen again," Hellebuyck said.

"And it is more than just online death threats... There is more that made me and my family uncomfortable on top of some uncertainty with my career."

The former three-time Vezina Trophy winner is coming off a down final season with the Jets, during which he posted a career-low .895 save percentage as the franchise went 35-35-12 and missed the playoffs.

Hellebuyck also won Olympic gold in February with a United States team featuring multiple players, including Brady Tkachuk and Dylan Larkin, who have since requested trades from their respective NHL teams.

"Is there some difficulties with being an American playing in Canada? Definitely," Hellebuyck said. "But there's also a lot of positives... I don't want to say that there is a border issue in this decision."

Hellebuyck bounced back since his trade with a strong start to his first season with the Devils, marking a 5-0 record to go alongside a .913 save percentage and 1.96 goals against average in his first five starts.

Despite that early success the Devils announced this weekend Hellebuyck, who has started four of the team's last five games, would serve as backup during Tuesday night's game against the Jets.

General manager Sunny Mehta said in a Sunday statement the Devils were making the decision to start Allen because Hellebuyck "playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability."

"I went in there and I said my piece. I said I felt it was my duty to play this game. I want to play," Hellebuyck said about wanting to start Tuesday. "And I had a good conversation with the coach, and Sunny, and I left that conversation understanding where they're at and why they're making that decision. I respect it."

Hellebuyck continued, "I'm kind of looking forward to seeing what this crowd's reaction is... However they want to bring their energy to the game, I embrace it."

The Jets have made their unhappiness with Hellebuyck clear since his departure. Kyle Connor, when asked about the trade in October, said he was excited to meet players who "want to be a part of Winnipeg Jets hockey." Coach Scott Arniel said Monday he felt Hellebuyck "gave up on us."

Hellebuyck didn't confirm whether he would be on the bench or watching from the video room Tuesday.

Either way Hellebuyck might be expecting a welcome similar to that received by Tkachuk, who was met by boos and chants when returning to Ottawa last month following his trade to the Florida Panthers, when the puck drops for Tuesday night's matchup at Canada Life Centre.