Winnipeg Jets news: Connor Hellebuyck finally faced Winnipeg reporters on Tuesday morning and said moments involving his family crossed the line, but he refused to give details as he explained for the first time in person why he asked out of Winnipeg.
By Maplestime News Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 10, 2026
Sources: HockeyFeed, Illegal Curve Hockey | Last updated: November 10, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Connor Hellebuyck spoke to media at Canada Life Centre on Tuesday after the New Jersey Devils morning skate, his first media availability in Winnipeg since the trade.
- Hellebuyck said moments involving his family crossed the line and went beyond online death threats, but he asked reporters to respect his privacy and would not go deeper.
- He said uncertainty with his career also played a part and a change of scenery was best for his family and his career.
- Hellebuyck will not play against the Jets on Tuesday night. Jake Allen starts in goal for New Jersey.
What Hellebuyck Said in Winnipeg
Hellebuyck met reporters after the Devils morning skate at Canada Life Centre, hours before the Jets host New Jersey on Tuesday night. It was his first time speaking to media in Winnipeg since the trade ended his 11 year run with the Jets.
He pointed to his family when asked why he wanted out.
“There was some moments and some things that happened to my family that for me crossed the line … There were a few moments that I don’t want to see happen again. It’s more than just online death threats and I’m gonna ask you to respect my privacy and my family’s privacy, I won’t go deeper than that, but there’s more that made me and my family uncomfortable. On top of some uncertainty with my career, I felt a change of scenery was best.”
Reporters pressed him for more clarity. He would not give it.
“I needed to be a good husband and good father, and do what’s best for my family and my career.”
Hellebuyck offered no specifics about the moments he described and no names. He asked fans, media and former teammates to respect his need for privacy.
Why the Return Matters Tonight
The trade request became public on August 27, when Hellebuyck revealed he had asked the Jets for a trade. He then failed to report to training camp on September 16 and the team suspended him. The Jets finally dealt him to New Jersey on October 23, receiving Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, Nick Bjugstad and draft picks in return. Hellebuyck has won all five of his starts since the trade.
The Devils announced on Sunday night that Hellebuyck will not play in Winnipeg on Tuesday, saying the decision was organizational and based on expected win probability. Hellebuyck had pushed to play and face his former team. General manager Sunny Mehta said the club would instead arrange the media availability at Hellebuyck’s request.
Related: Winnipeg Jets November 10 2026: Josh Morrissey Returns Tonight vs Devils as Nico Daws Starts in Goal
Jets head coach Scott Arniel said on Monday that he was disappointed Hellebuyck will not play, saying Hellebuyck gave up on the team and that the saga will now drag on until the teams meet again on November 28 in Newark. The Jets also confirmed on Tuesday morning that Josh Morrissey returns to the lineup tonight and Nico Daws starts in goal against his old team.
What Comes Next
Puck drop is 7 PM CT at Canada Life Centre. Hellebuyck is expected to watch from backstage rather than sit on the bench, so fans in the building will likely only see him during warmups. The Jets carry a three game winning streak into the game. New Jersey carries a five game winning streak.
Maplestime will provide updates from Connor Hellebuyck and the Jets Devils game as announcements are made.
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Do you think Hellebuyck owes Winnipeg fans a fuller explanation, or is his family’s privacy reason enough to leave it there? Tell us in the comments. And share this with every Canadian following the Jets and the Hellebuyck return tonight.
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