Trump’s favorite hockey player sparks NHL meltdown by demanding a trade… months after receiving rare post-Olympics presidential honor
Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck has publicly demanded a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, months after his Olympic gold medal-winning heroics.
Hellebuyck delivered a sensational performance as the United States beat Canada in the gold medal game in Milan-Cortina. In the aftermath, he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump – the only member of the team awarded the rare honor.
Trump singled out Hellebuyck as the team attended the State of the Union address in the aftermath of their dramatic gold.
‘I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well as goalie Connor Hellebuyck,’ Trump said.
‘(42) shots on gold. And I asked him the one shot, the one where you put your stick in the back and it hit the neck of your stick and bounced off. You practiced that? Or was that a little lucky? He refused to answer that question.’
He revealed every member of the USA roster ‘rapidly put up their hands’ when he asked for a vote on if he should give Hellebuyck the medal.
Connor Hellebuyck has demanded a trade from the Winnipeg Jets after his Olympic heroics
Hellebuyck put in a heroic performance in goal for Team USA in the gold medal match
Trump awarded Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom after the Winter Olympics
Six months on from that enormous honor, Hellebuyck is back in the headlines after asking to leave the NHL team where he has spent his entire career. The 33-year-old was drafted 130th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2012, becoming the team’s starter in 2016.
‘Several months ago, I privately requested a trade,’ Hellebuyck wrote. ‘I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options.
‘With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.
‘I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon.’
Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender on three occasions, including in 2025.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff responded: ‘Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change.
‘He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years and we have tremendous respect for what he has accomplished here. While we will continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time.’
