NHL star Donald Trump loves suspended by team in latest twist

Tom Malley Sat, September 19, 2026 at 12:49 PM UTC

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Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been hit with a suspension (Image: Getty)

Team USA hockey star Connor Hellebuyck has been suspended by the Winnipeg Jets after failing to report to training camp as his feud with the franchise continues.

Hellebuyck, 33, has made his stance over his future perfectly clear with the NHL side since returning from the Winter Olympics with his nation earlier this year, notably going public with his trade request last month, having come to the conclusion that "moving on is the best path forward for me and my family."

The Winnipeg goaltender, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Donald Trump after his heroics in the Winter Olympics, had actually "privately requested a trade" several months earlier, though the situation remained unsolved.

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Now, as part of his attempts to force a move away from the Jets, Hellebuyck has refused to attend training camp this month, resulting in a suspension by the franchise.

Addressing the media on Thursday morning to discuss the situation, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff revealed that Hellebuyck officially requested a trade during the team's exit meetings following the 2025-26 season, though nothing has yet been confirmed regarding his future.

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck received the Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump (Image: Getty)

"No doors are closed," Cheveldayoff said. "He's under contract for five more years. At the end of the day, that will be his choice."

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Cheveldayoff, who has served as general manager of the Jets since 2011, also said "nothing at this point in time is final" and that Winnipeg has attempted to complete a deal that "works for both sides for a long time now."

"This isn't necessarily a time thing for me. For me, I just want to get this right," he added. "Unfortunately, this situation is what it is. We're just looking to find a resolution that works for both sides."

Cheveldayoff also touched on both his and the club's relationship with Hellebuyck, who, since entering the NHL 11 years ago, has been one of the league's best netminders.

"It can't get emotional. It can't get personal," he said. "Connor Hellebuyck is part of our family until he isn't part of our family. You don't just say that. You have to believe it."

Hellebuyck was drafted 130th overall by the Jets in 2012, becoming the team's starter in 2016, and has gone on to win the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender on three occasions, including in 2025.

In his statement last month, Hellebuyck explained his reasoning for going public with his trade request, saying he felt it was important to be open about the situation.

"I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope a resolution can be reached soon," he concluded.

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Source: “AOL Sports”