New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has revealed that threats directed at his family during his time with the Winnipeg Jets contributed to his decision to seek a move away from the Canadian team.
The 33-year-old American hockey star disclosed the details while speaking to reporters in Winnipeg on Tuesday, ahead of the Devils’ game against his former side.
Hellebuyck said certain incidents involving his family had gone beyond what he was willing to tolerate, making a change of environment necessary.
Hellebuyck Says Threats Against His Family Crossed the Line
Hellebuyck explained that his decision to leave Winnipeg was influenced by several incidents that made his family uncomfortable.
“There was some moments and some things that happened to my family that for me crossed the line,” he told reporters.
He added that the incidents went beyond online death threats and declined to provide further details, asking journalists to respect the privacy of his family.
According to the goaltender, the situation, combined with uncertainty surrounding his professional future, convinced him that leaving Winnipeg was the best option.
Former Jets Star Defends His Decision to Leave
Hellebuyck also addressed criticism from Winnipeg supporters who viewed his departure as an act of disloyalty.
The goaltender acknowledged that some people might disagree with how he and his family handled the situation but maintained that they had made their decisions based on what they believed was right.
He said mistakes might have been made during the process but insisted that maintaining their privacy remained important.
Hellebuyck also suggested that circumstances surrounding his contract had changed in ways he had not anticipated when he initially committed to the Jets.
Recalls Promise to Remain a Jet for Life
The Devils goaltender previously declared that he wanted to spend the rest of his professional career in Winnipeg after signing a seven-year, $60 million contract with the Jets in 2023.
However, he said his earlier commitment was genuine at the time and that he could not have predicted how events would unfold.
Hellebuyck explained that although he meant what he said when he described himself as a Jet for life, subsequent developments changed his perspective.
He added that he had made his decision to leave and sacrificed a great deal to stand by it, saying he had little more to offer those who remained unhappy with his departure.
Devils Rest Hellebuyck Ahead of Winnipeg Return
Hellebuyck was left out of New Jersey’s lineup for Tuesday’s meeting with Winnipeg, despite expressing his desire to play against his former teammates.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe had initially cited the team’s home-and-home series against the Washington Capitals as a reason for managing the goaltender’s workload.
The decision was announced on Sunday, with a team statement explaining that playing Hellebuyck could potentially reduce the team’s expected probability of winning.
The explanation attracted attention among fans, particularly because the goaltender had just recorded a 4-0 shutout victory over Toronto.
Keefe later clarified that the decision to leave Hellebuyck out was made by Devils general manager Sunny Mehta.
The coach admitted that he would have preferred to play the goaltender but said the final decision rested with the general manager.
Hellebuyck Enjoys Perfect Start With New Jersey
Hellebuyck’s departure from Winnipeg followed a turbulent period that included his suspension for failing to report to the Jets’ training camp and his subsequent trade to New Jersey.
His 2026 campaign also featured an Olympic gold medal victory with Team USA at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Since joining the Devils, the veteran goaltender has made an impressive start, winning all five of his appearances while allowing fewer than two goals per game.
His return to Winnipeg would have marked his first opportunity to face the team he represented for the previous decade, but the Devils’ decision to rest him meant he would not feature in Tuesday’s contest.
