Jets fans mercilessly boo 'coward' Connor Hellebuyck in return to Winnipeg

After the puck dropped, the arena reverberated with chants directed toward the goalie. Clearly, Jets supporters haven't forgiven him for requesting a trade. 

Why did Connor Hellebuyck request trade from Jets?

Before Tuesday's game, Hellebuyck told the media his trade request became "very certain" after his family received threats. He didn't offer specifics but noted that not all of them were online.

"There were some moments and some things that happened to my family that, for me, crossed the line," he said (h/t Field Level Media). "I needed to be a good husband, a good father and do what's best for my family and career." 

Hellebuyck noted he "loved his time" in Winnipeg after playing for the Jets for 11 of his 12 NHL seasons. 

It's unclear if the threats were politically motivated. After helping Team USA win its first gold medal since 1980 at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Hellebuyck was one of a handful of players to visit President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

It's also worth noting Hellebuyck often wilted in the playoffs during his tenure with the Jets. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner's save percentage drops from .916 in the regular season to .903 in the playoffs. He posted a career-worst .866 save percentage during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Regardless, the relationship between Winnipeg fans and Hellebuyck is only growing more frigid. Don't expect it to improve anytime soon.