Trump's 'Favorite Hockey Player' Hellebuyck Suspended Amid Trade Feud
Team USA's Olympic hero Connor Hellebuyck faces suspension from the Winnipeg Jets after publicly requesting a trade.
Connor Hellebuyck, a standout goaltender for Team USA during their Olympic gold medal victory, has been suspended by his NHL team, the Winnipeg Jets, following his public demand for a trade. The suspension comes after Hellebuyck failed to report to the team's training camp.
Hellebuyck gained national acclaim for his performance in the Winter Olympics gold medal match against Canada. His efforts were recognized by then-President Donald Trump, who awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him the only member of the team worthy of the rare honor.
"I've never seen a goaltender play as well as goalie Connor Hellebuyck," Trump had said of Hellebuyck's Olympic performance. "(42) shots on goal. And I asked him the one shot, the one where you put your stick in the back and it hit the neck of your stick and bounced off. You practiced that? Or was that a little lucky? He refused to answer that question."
Despite his Olympic heroics and subsequent national recognition, Hellebuyck's relationship with the Winnipeg Jets has deteriorated. In late August, he publicly confirmed his request for a trade, which he had privately made several months earlier. Hellebuyck stated that he believed moving on was the best path forward for him and his family and expressed hope for a swift resolution.
Hellebuyck, 33, was drafted by the Jets in 2012 and became their starting goaltender in 2016. He has won the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender on three occasions, including in 2025.
Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acknowledged Hellebuyck's desire for a change, stating that the team had great respect for his accomplishments and would work through the situation thoughtfully. Cheveldayoff had also revealed that the team had been open to trade offers for Hellebuyck prior to the NHL Draft, before his trade request was publicly known.
The team's general manager is scheduled to address the media on Thursday morning to discuss Hellebuyck's suspension and the ongoing situation.