Connor Hellebuyck was met with boos and jeers from Winnipeg Jets fans in his first return to the city since his trade request led to a move to the New Jersey Devils. The animosity began during warm-ups and continued throughout the Devils' 4-2 loss to the Jets on Tuesday.
Fans at Canada Life Centre chanted "Helle sucks!" and "coward" at Hellebuyck as he took the ice. The derision continued into the game, with chants of "Where is Connor?" and "Pull your goalie" heard. Social media posts also showed fans holding signs with messages like "Softer Than Charmin" and "Playoff Pylon."
Hellebuyck, who was drafted by the Jets in 2012 and made his NHL debut in 2015, stated that alleged threats to his family were a primary reason for his desire to leave Winnipeg.
"I’ve been very connected with this community, and I’ve loved my time here, but there are a few moments that I don’t want to see happen again," Hellebuyck told reporters ahead of the game. "It is more than just online death threats, and I’m going to ask you to respect my privacy and my family’s privacy. I won’t go deeper than that. There was more that made me and my family uncomfortable on top of some uncertainty with my career. I felt that a change of scenery was what was best."
After the game, the Jets' official X account appeared to troll the Devils, referencing a recent statement from New Jersey general manager Sunny Mehta that suggested Hellebuyck's presence would reduce the team's "expected win probability." The Jets posted, "Expected Win Probability 100%."
The trade sending Hellebuyck to the Devils was finalized on Oct. 23.