Story Summary
Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey said he was disappointed to learn of teammate Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request but that the situation has not changed his desire to remain with the Jets. Morrissey, a long-time teammate of Hellebuyck, told reporters he learned of the goalie’s request at the same time as the public and described the development as personally difficult. He expressed hope Hellebuyck will return to the club while declining to speculate on roster impact. Morrissey reiterated his own commitment to Winnipeg and noted the league’s improved financial health after citing Cale Makar’s recent contract as an example.
Key Facts
- Josh Morrissey said he was disappointed to learn of Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request and that he learned of it at the same time the public did.
- On Aug. 27, Connor Hellebuyck released a statement saying he had privately requested a trade away from the Jets ” several months ago.”
- Morrissey said Hellebuyck is ” one of the best, if not the best goalies in the world” and that having him in the lineup ” gives us a chance to win every night.”
- Morrissey added he does not know if Hellebuyck will be with the team for training camp and that no one knows what a trade would look like.
- Morrissey said he still loves being a Jet and that a teammate’s decision does not change that feeling.
- Morrissey has two seasons remaining on the eight-year, $50 million contract ($6.25 million AAV) he signed Sept. 12, 2019, and he will be eligible to sign a new contract on July 1.
- Morrissey had 55 points (14 goals, 41 assists) and averaged a career-high 24:43 of ice time in 77 games last season.
- Morrissey is the all-time leader among Jets/Atlanta Thrashers defencemen in games played (739), assists (334) and points (428); his 94 career goals rank second to Dustin Byfuglien (122).
- Connor Hellebuyck is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner (2020, 2024, 2025), a Hart Trophy winner (2025) and helped the United States win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Morrissey referenced Cale Makar’s NHL-record eight-year, $163.2 million contract ($20.4 million AAV) signed on Aug. 28 as an example of the league’s financial health.
- The Jets open training camp ” this week,” and it is unclear whether Hellebuyck will attend, Morrissey said.
IHM Discussion
Josh Morrissey framed Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request as a personal disappointment after 11 NHL seasons as teammates. Both debuted with Winnipeg in 2015-16, and Morrissey made clear that his reaction stems from a close friendship as well as the uncertainty around the club’s goaltending.
He nevertheless avoided predicting what a trade would mean for the Jets. Morrissey said Hellebuyck gives Winnipeg a chance to win every night, while stressing that nobody knows whether he will be at camp or what any potential trade might involve.
Morrissey also reaffirmed his own commitment to Winnipeg. With two seasons remaining on his current contract, he said another player’s decision does not change how he feels about being a Jet. His comments on Cale Makar’s record deal similarly reflected his view that the NHL’s financial outlook is strong.
Why It Matters
Hellebuyck’s request creates uncertainty at a pivotal position as the Jets open training camp. Morrissey did not speculate on whether Winnipeg would be better or worse without him, but he made clear how highly he values Hellebuyck’s ability.
Morrissey’s commitment offers a note of continuity while Hellebuyck’s status remains unresolved. Any eventual move involving a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, Hart Trophy winner and Olympic gold medallist would be a major development for Winnipeg and any club involved.
IHM Market Outlook
Hellebuyck’s status will remain a major storyline if his request is still unresolved as training camp begins. His three Vezina Trophies, Hart Trophy and Olympic gold medal underline his standing in the game, although Morrissey said there is no clarity on whether Hellebuyck will be at camp or what a trade might look like.
For now, the immediate question is simply whether the goaltender remains with Winnipeg as camp opens. Further conclusions about a potential market or return would be speculative.
Fan Pulse
Morrissey’s remarks give Jets supporters a clear message from a long-serving player: his commitment to Winnipeg has not changed. The uncertainty around Hellebuyck’s future, however, will remain a focus as training camp opens.
Mini Q&A
Did Josh Morrissey confirm Connor Hellebuyck requested a trade?
Morrissey said he was disappointed to learn of Hellebuyck’s trade request and that he learned of it at the same time as the public; on Aug. 27 Hellebuyck released a statement saying he had privately requested a trade ” several months ago.”
Is Morrissey planning to leave Winnipeg because of Hellebuyck’s request?
No. Morrissey said ” I love being here, I love being a Jet” and that a teammate’s decision does not change how he feels about staying in Winnipeg.
What is Morrissey’s contract status?
Morrissey has two seasons remaining on the eight-year, $50 million contract ($6.25 million AAV) he signed on Sept. 12, 2019, and he will be eligible to sign a new contract on July 1.
What recent achievements of Connor Hellebuyck did the report note?
Hellebuyck is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner (2020, 2024 and 2025), a Hart Trophy winner (2025), and helped the United States win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Will training camp clarify Hellebuyck’s status?
Possibly. The Jets open training camp this week, and it is unclear whether Hellebuyck will be there.
Coach Mark Comment
Goaltending uncertainty can shape the opening days of camp, particularly when it involves a player of Hellebuyck’s stature. Winnipeg’s staff will need to keep the group focused on its daily work while the situation remains unresolved, and Morrissey’s commitment provides a steady public message within that uncertainty.
What Comes Next
The Jets open training camp this week, and it remains unclear whether Connor Hellebuyck will attend; his presence or absence at camp is the immediate checkpoint identified.
IHM Final View
Morrissey balanced personal disappointment with a firm commitment to Winnipeg. He hopes Hellebuyck remains a Jet, but he did not pretend to know how the situation will unfold. Hellebuyck’s presence or absence as training camp opens is the next immediate point of focus.