Team USA hero Connor Hellebuyck says that moments beyond online death threats led to his Winnipeg departure

While he won't start — the team said that despite Hellebuyck's insistence on playing, they went with Jake Allen to avoid a drop in their "expected win probability" — he did face the Winnipeg media.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.

This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.The Team USA hero spent 11 seasons in Winnipeg and won three Vezina Trophies, a Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP in 2024-25, and led the Jets to a Presidents' Trophy that same season.DEVILS TO SIT STAR GOALIE VS HIS FORMER TEAM OVER 'WIN PROBABILITY,' LEAVING NHL FANS BEWILDEREDConnor Hellebuyck requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets over the summer, with the star goalie ultimately landing in New Jersey.(Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)However, his decision to ask for a trade, followed by him skipping camp and sitting out the start of the season meant that he and the Jets did not part on good terms.Hellebuyck was somewhat mum on his reasons for wanting a trade aside from joining a team he views as a contender, but that changed on Tuesday.TEAM USA HERO CONNOR HELLEBUYCK DISCUSSES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLAYING HOCKEY IN US AND CANADA"I've alluded to this a little bit," Hellebuyck said.

"This was a very complex decision, and a very difficult one."Hellebuyck said there was no single moment that led to him wanting out, and that some off-ice issues played into it."There were some moments and some things that happened to my family that for me crossed the line," he said before adding that he needed to do what was best for his family and his career.He was then asked why the city of Winnipeg was being "pinned" for these things that led to Hellebuyck's decision, when those involved may not have even had a tie to the city.UTAH'S MACKENZIE WEEGAR REACTS TO AMERICAN PLAYERS SEEKING TRADES OUT OF CANADA: 'IT’S A BIT UNFORTUNATE'Hellebuyck strongly rebuffed the idea that...