A retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police official has weighed in on Connor Hellebuyck‘s trade request from the Winnipeg Jets, warning that letting players force their way out of contracts could set a dangerous precedent for the league.
Hellebuyck confirmed on August 27 that he wants out of Winnipeg. “Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options… My position has not changed,” the three-time Vezina Trophy winner said.
Warning about Connor Hellebuyck
Former RCMP assistant commissioner Dale Sheehan didn’t hold back on X. He issued a warning that the situation could set a troubling precedent for every team in the league if left unchecked.
“If NHL teams don’t start standing up to players demanding trades they may as well stop signing long term contracts. Giving players a massive, disruptive edge ruins years of planning and changes the economics of the sport. Make them play or let them sit. A contract is a contract,” Sheehan wrote.
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Hellebuyck’s situation carries real weight given the terms of his deal. He’s under contract through 2030-31 on a seven-year, $59.5 million extension he signed back in 2023, and he also holds a full no-movement clause — giving him significant say over any potential destination and putting Winnipeg in a tough spot.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has said the team is listening to offers, calling the situation something the organization will handle “in a thoughtful manner,” with no immediate update.
Hellebuyck is coming off a difficult season by his standards. He posted a 2.86 goals-against average and .895 save percentage across 57 games as Winnipeg finished 35-35-12 and missed the playoffs entirely.
Whether or not Sheehan’s take resonates around the league, the Jets now find themselves trying to balance respecting the wishes of an elite goaltender with protecting the value they’d get in return.
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