Winnipeg Jets captain expects Hellebuyck at training camp amid trade discussions

By Liam Tremblay — 26 August 2026 — 3 min read

Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry anticipates goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will be present at training camp, despite ongoing discussions about his future with the team. Lowry stated he expects Hellebuyck to prove he is the best goalie in the world, adding, “Until something happens, he’s a Jet, he’s a good friend, and we’re excited to get him back.” This sentiment was shared by teammate Josh Morrissey, who expressed hope for Hellebuyck’s return, acknowledging that decisions about his future are between Hellebuyck, his agent, and the organization.

Hellebuyck, who has five years remaining on his $8.5 million average annual value contract signed in 2023, has a full no-movement clause. However, this clause will transition into a 10-team approved trade list on July 1, 2027. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed in late June that he is open to trade offers for Hellebuyck. Reports indicate that the Jets were close to a trade with the Buffalo Sabres at the draft, and Hellebuyck is believed to still be interested in a move, even with the 2026-27 season approaching.

Hellebuyck’s recent performance and future outlook

Last season, Hellebuyck posted an .895 save percentage and missed approximately a month due to minor knee surgery. He finished 13th in goals saved above expected, a category he had led for two consecutive seasons prior. Following his surgery, Hellebuyck played in 43 NHL games, recording a career-worst save percentage. The Jets’ record during his absence was 3-8-1, which reportedly prompted a quick return to the ice, with Hellebuyck starting a game just 21 days post-surgery and then 16 of the next 18 games.

Despite these recent statistics, Hellebuyck’s performance at the Olympic Games in Milan, where he led Team USA to a gold medal, showcased his capabilities. This performance is seen by some as an indicator that he could follow a path similar to Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Vasilevskiy, after back surgery in September 2023, also experienced career lows in save percentage and goals saved above expected upon his return, but subsequently regained elite form after a full offseason.

Hellebuyck, at 33, is beyond the typical physical prime for a goaltender, with performance generally peaking between ages 26 and 30. However, elite goalies like Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, and Dominik Hašek have maintained high levels of play into their mid-to-late 30s. Roy helped the Colorado Avalanche win a Stanley Cup at 35 and was a Vezina finalist at 36. Brodeur won two Vezinas and a Jennings Trophy after turning 33, playing over 75 games per season until age 37. Hašek won the Hart and Vezina trophies at 33 and went on to win two more Vezinas and two Stanley Cups.

Hellebuyck is one of only four goalies to have won three or more Vezina Trophies since 1981. He is known for his workhorse mentality, having led the NHL in starts on five occasions and regularly playing over 60 games per season. His playing style, which involves playing deeper in his crease and relying on anticipation rather than acrobatic saves, is believed to contribute to a more graceful aging process for his game. This approach minimizes physical strain, particularly on the hips, and could allow him to compensate for any decline in athleticism as he ages.

Team expectations and Hellebuyck’s perspective

Lowry emphasized that the team’s approach is to support Hellebuyck as long as he is part of the roster. He highlighted the team’s formula for success: having a top-tier goalie, strong defensive play, effective rush and transition, and aggressive forechecking. Hellebuyck himself expressed frustration with the team’s performance last season, describing it as “unacceptable” and “chaos” in his post-season press conference.

The signing of Stuart Skinner in the offseason provides the Jets with additional time to navigate Hellebuyck’s situation. However, other teams may need to see their own goaltending struggles before being compelled to make a trade. Training camp for the 2026-27 season is scheduled to begin next month, with the Jets opening their season on October 2 at home against the Boston Bruins.

Source: nytimes.com