Winnipeg Jets news — Connor Hellebuyck finally said it out loud in Winnipeg on Tuesday: online death threats and moments involving his family crossed the line, and that is why he asked out of the city he still loves.
By Maplestime Sports Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 10, 2026
Sources: Northly Winnipeg, TSN, CBC Sports, Full Press Media | Last updated: November 10, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Former Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck says online death threats and incidents involving his family were major factors behind his trade request.
- Speaking in Winnipeg on November 10 during his first return since the October 23 trade to New Jersey, he said some moments involving his family “crossed the line.”
- As a husband and father, he said the decision became certain: do what is best for his family and his career.
- He declined to share details or say where the threats came from, and asked media and fans to respect his family’s privacy.
- He stressed he still loves Winnipeg and his 11 seasons with the Jets, and does not want a few moments to define his relationship with the city.
What Hellebuyck Said in Winnipeg
The 33-year-old met Winnipeg reporters on Tuesday morning, hours before the Devils faced the Jets at Canada Life Centre, in his first trip back since the October 23 trade. It was the first time he had explained the decision in person.
“With all the uncertainty I was experiencing, there were 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, that made that decision very certain that I needed to be a good husband, a good father, and do what’s best for my family and my career.”
He called it a very complex and very difficult decision, built over a span of time rather than one single moment.
“More Than Just Online Death Threats”
Hellebuyck was direct about one thing: the problem went beyond social media. “There are a few moments that I don’t want to see happen again. And it is more than just online death threats,” he said, asking reporters to respect his privacy and his family’s privacy. “I won’t go deeper than that. But there was more that made me and my family uncomfortable.”
He would not share specific details or identify where the threats originated. Combined with uncertainty about his career, he said, he felt “a change in scenery was what was best.”
He Still Loves Winnipeg
For all the hurt in his explanation, Hellebuyck went out of his way to protect his bond with the city. “I wanted this to be clear, and that’s why I don’t want to try to ruin the relationship I have with the city, because I’m not going to judge a few moments, or I’m not going to project a few moments on the entire city,” he said. “I’ve been very connected with this community, and I’ve loved my time here.”
The 33-year-old spent 11 seasons with the Jets. He was not expected to play on Tuesday night, with Nico Daws starting for Winnipeg, but his presence in the building for the first time as a Devil made the night about more than the game.
The Reaction Online
The story spread fast on social media on Tuesday night. Northly Winnipeg’s post put Hellebuyck’s words in front of a Winnipeg audience within the hour, and TSN and CBC Sports both shared video of the press conference. The response split sharply: many fans defended him and said no threat to a player’s family is ever acceptable, while others questioned the vagueness of the explanation and demanded proof.
Maplestime will provide updates from the Jets and the Hellebuyck story as announcements are made.
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Do you think Hellebuyck owed Winnipeg more detail, or was he right to draw the line at his family’s privacy? Tell us in the comments. And share this with every Jets fan still talking about tonight.
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