“Go to hell”: Connor Hellebuyck faces harsh criticism

Mathis Therrien
“Go to hell”: Connor Hellebuyck faces harsh criticism
Credit: Capture d'écran/Twitter

Right at the start of the 2023–2024 season—three years ago—Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets agreed to the terms of a seven-year contract extension worth $8.5 million annually.

At the time, the deal caught many by surprise, as few expected the American goaltender to make a long-term commitment to the Canadian city.

Nevertheless, Hellebuyck did sign that long-term contract, and people began to believe he would stay in Winnipeg, Canada, to finish his career.

Well, here we are three years later, with two years of Hellebuyck's famous contract already behind him, and the 33-year-old American goaltender has just requested a trade.

As the third season of his seven-year contract with the Jets approaches, Hellebuyck has asked to be traded elsewhere.

Let's just say that's pretty brazen of him given the mutual commitment he made with the Jets, so it's no surprise this decision is drawing heavy criticism.

In fact, ESPN host Michael Wilbon didn't hold back in his criticism of Hellebuyck.

In fact, the American commentator said he would have responded with “go to hell” to Hellebuyck's trade request if he were in charge of the Winnipeg Jets.

That's a pretty strong statement, but we totally understand what Wilbon is trying to make a point by saying that.

He's calling out the fact that it's unacceptable for a player to sign a long-term contract—in this case, a seven-year deal—with a team, only to want to leave that same team after just two years of the contract.

It's bold to ask for such a trade, especially after the Jets offered him the contract of a lifetime.

It's clear that in Winnipeg, analysts, journalists, and fans must be angry and disappointed, and are eagerly awaiting to see what they'll get in return for the American goaltender.

It will be very interesting to see if Hellebuyck heads across the border—and if so, to which team.

I get the feeling that the Minnesota Wild, the Florida Panthers, and the Vegas Golden Knights will be very high on Hellebuyck's wish list, just like Dylan Larkin, who has also requested a trade.


In Brief

– Unbelievable.

– Good news.

– Read this.

– Magnificent.

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