As Connor Hellebuyck heads to New Jersey, Winnipeg Jets GM will hold on to the 'good memories'
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been traded from the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils, ending a long-standing drama after he expressed a desire to be moved. Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acknowledged the difficulty but chose to focus on Hellebuyck's contributions and the "good memories" during his time with the team. In return, the Jets acquired four players and two draft picks.
Why it matters
This is a significant trade in the NHL, impacting two teams' rosters and future prospects. It reflects the business side of professional sports and the emotional toll on players and management.
The 33-year-old from Michigan is headed to the New Jersey Devils.
It ends a long, sometimes fractious drama that began when Hellebuyck told the team during exit interviews at the end of last season that he wanted to be moved.
"It certainly hasn't been fun, there's no question about it. But at the end of day, Connor made his choice to do how he chose to do it, and as an organization, we had to act accordingly," said Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
Now that the trade is in the rear view, he will endeavour to forget that stretch and focus on the good time, he said.
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