Connor Hellebuyck Forfeits Salary as Jets Hold Trade Position

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has forfeited more than $399,000 in salary while remaining away from the team after requesting a trade and not reporting to training camp, according to sports.yahoo.com. The situation involves the 2026-27 season, the Jets organization, and the ongoing effort to resolve his contract status.

According to sports.yahoo.com, Hellebuyck was suspended for four games and gave up 5.3% of his $7.5 million salary. A fan-created tracker has monitored the amount of money he has forfeited since his absence began.

The tracker highlighted the financial impact with a message directed at the veteran goalie: "We'd have built you a statue. Instead we built this counter." the tracker displayed.

Winnipeg drafted Hellebuyck in the fifth round, 130th overall, in 2012, according to sports.yahoo.com. More than a decade later, he had earned three Vezina Trophies and a Hart Trophy before the trade dispute emerged.

The Jets faced uncertainty after Hellebuyck requested a trade and declined to report to training camp, according to sports.yahoo.com. The team has continued the season with other goaltenders while general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff waits for a suitable trade offer.

Winnipeg entered Friday with a 3-0-1 record and ranked first in the Central Division, according to sports.yahoo.com. The team's goaltending had allowed 2.5 goals per game, ranking 10th in the NHL at that point.

Hellebuyck's contract situation has attracted interest from the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, and San Jose Sharks, according to sports.yahoo.com. No trade had been completed, leaving the goalie waiting while the Jets continued without him.

The Jets selected Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson to handle goaltending duties during Hellebuyck's absence, according to sports.yahoo.com. Their early performances gave Winnipeg more flexibility in deciding whether to complete a deal.