Connor Hellebuyck wants Jets fans to know he cares - CBC
Connor Hellebuyck was officially introduced by the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, marking a new chapter for the all-star goalie who has called Winnipeg home for 11 seasons. (Cameron Bartlett/Getty Images)Social SharingWhile there might be more Connor Hellebuyck wants to say to Winnipeg Jets fans, for now he just wants them to know he cares.
The 33-year-old from Michigan was officially introduced by the New Jersey Devils during a news conference on Saturday, marking a new chapter for the all-star goalie who has called Winnipeg home for 11 seasons.
"There is a lot that I need to say, but they have their Heritage Classic game coming up, so as a respect for them and for the celebration of hockey, I'm going to postpone that to a later date," Hellebuyck said when asked if there was anything he wanted to say to Jets fans now that he's a Devil.
"I hope they know I care about them."
The trade ends months of drama that began when Hellebuyck told the team during exit interviews at the end of last season that he wanted to be moved.
When he did not show for training camp in September, the Jets suspended him.
Hellebuyck notified the team on Oct. 2 he planned to end his absence, but the Jets chose to enforce the full three-week suspension rather than immediately reintegrate him.
That suspension was set to expire on Friday, the same day his trade was confirmed.
Hellebuyck said on Saturday that sitting at home for so long was getting to him.
"I'm just really excited to play hockey again, and join a very skilled group. I know that they're bringing me in for a certain specific role and I'm really excited to try and fill that role," Hellebuyck said.
While Hellebuyck is excited to be playing in the U.S. and living closer to family, he said he will always have fond memories of his time up north.
"Canada loves their hockey, and I felt that to the bone," Hellebuyck said. "I loved my time there, and I loved the people that I met … that should be celebrated."
In return for Hellebuyck, the Jets have acquired forwards Dawson Mercer, Alexander Command and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws and New Jersey's second-round pick in the 2029 NHL draft and seventh-round pick in the 2027 draft.
The Jets will host the Montreal Canadiens outdoors on Sunday in the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Winnipeg's Princess Auto Stadium.
The event marks the league's eighth Heritage Classic and first since 2023.
Hellebuyck will return to Winnipeg with his new team on Nov. 10, when the Jets will host the Devils at Canada Life Centre.
Erin DeBooy is a reporter with CBC Manitoba. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she has experience reporting in the city and across the province. She has previously worked with the Brandon Sun, covering a wide range of topics including courts, education, arts and breaking news. She can be reached at erin.debooy@cbc.ca.
