Jets suspend Hellebuyck after he skips camp amid trade standoff
The Winnipeg Jets suspended star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck on Wednesday after he failed to report to training camp. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, publicly requested a trade in August and informed the team he would not attend camp, according to Sportsnet. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is scheduled to address the media on Thursday. Hellebuyck is under contract through 2030-31 with an $8.5 million cap hit and holds a full no-movement clause. Despite his suspension, the Jets have 51 players in camp and are preparing for the 2026-27 season, though trade interest remains minimal due to his age and contract structure.
Key points
- Hellebuyck was suspended for not reporting to training camp on Wednesday.
- He publicly requested a trade in August and told the team he would not attend camp.
- GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will hold a media address on Thursday.
- Hellebuyck is under contract through 2030-31 at an $8.5 million cap hit with a no-movement clause.
- The Jets have 51 players in camp, which runs from Sept. 17 to Sept. 25.
Background
Hellebuyck has played his entire 11-year career with the Jets since being drafted in 2012. He won the Hart Trophy in 2025 and the Vezina Trophy in 2020, 2024, and 2025. The Jets won the Presidents' Trophy in 2024-25 but missed the playoffs in 2025-26, a regression Hellebuyck attributed to complacency. He also won Olympic gold in February 2026. The team has been exploring trade options, with potential destinations including Buffalo, Vegas, Carolina, and New Jersey, but interest has been described as minimal due to his age and contract.
How outlets are covering it
theScore reports the suspension and Hellebuyck's refusal to attend camp, citing Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. NHL.com provides the official training camp roster and schedule, confirming 51 players are in camp despite Hellebuyck's absence. Bleacher Report analyzes potential trade destinations, noting that Hellebuyck's age, contract, and no-movement clause make a trade difficult, with teams like Carolina, Vegas, New Jersey, and Buffalo considered but facing challenges in providing adequate return. The outlets differ in emphasis: theScore focuses on the immediate suspension and media address, NHL.com on the camp logistics, and Bleacher Report on the trade market dynamics.
Why it matters
The suspension of a star player with a no-movement clause and a long-term contract creates significant uncertainty for the Jets' roster and cap management. It may force the team to accelerate trade discussions or adjust their strategy for the 2026-27 season. The situation also highlights the challenges of trading elite players with restrictive contracts and the impact of player autonomy on team dynamics.
What to watch
GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will address the media on Thursday to discuss the suspension and potential trade options. The Jets will continue training camp with 51 players, and the league will monitor trade interest as the season approaches. Hellebuyck's decision to skip camp may influence the timeline and terms of any potential trade.
- Jets suspend Hellebuyck for failing to report to camp theScore
- Jets suspend Connor Hellebuyck for failure to report to camp ESPN
- Winnipeg Jets suspend Connor Hellebuyck for failure to report to training camp The New York Times
- Jets announce 2026 Training Camp roster and schedule NHL.com
- Trade Ideas for Connor Hellebuyck to NHL Contenders Bleacher Report
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