While speaking to reporters Tuesday, New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck further explained why he requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets.
"This was a very complex decision and a very difficult one," Hellebuyck said after the team's morning skate at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. "There's no one singular moment that wasn't important in all of this decision-making, and this is over a span of time.
"I will say, with all the uncertainty I was experiencing, there was some moments and some things that happened to my family that for me crossed the line and ... made that decision very certain that I needed to be a good husband and a good father and do what's best for my family and my career."
Hellebuyck wouldn't divulge what line was crossed exactly, but he claimed that he and his family were victims of disturbing treatment.
"There are a few moments that I don't wanna see happen again. And it is more than just online death threats," Hellebuyck said. "And I'm please gonna ask you to respect my privacy and my family's privacy. I won't go deeper than that. But there was more that made me and family uncomfortable, on top of some uncertainty with my career. I felt that a change of scenery was what was best."
A reporter in attendance Tuesday noted that the Jets were aware of the threats and asked for further information from Hellebuyck in an attempt to help, but Hellebuyck cited his family's privacy as reason for not providing evidence on the matter. When pressed about how he knew for certain that the threats came from Winnipeg, Hellebuyck refused to answer.
Hellebuyck was also asked about the impact that the 2026 Olympics had on his trade request. He was one of three players from the United States' gold-medal winning squad to ask out following the Winter Games, joining Brady Tkachuk, whom the Ottawa Senators dealt to the Florida Panthers, and Dylan Larkin, who continues to await a move from the Detroit Red Wings.
"I'd be lying to you if I said that my life hasn't changed since the Olympics because it has in a very big way," Hellebuyck said. "But when you're looking at the border issues, I've had a good team around me. I've navigated my life here pretty well.
"Is there some difficulties with being an American playing in Canada? Definitely, but there's also a lot of positives. The hockey market in Canada is bizarre. It's incredible to play in front of, and as a hockey player, you love that. I don't want to speak anything poorly on one or the other. They're both just different markets, and I enjoy both of them, and I've enjoyed my time (in Winnipeg). And I don't want to say that there is a border issue in this decision."
Hellebuyck was the star of gold-medal game for the United States. Although Canada outshot the U.S. 42-28, Hellebuyck made 41 saves in the 2-1 overtime victory.
The Devils announced Sunday that Hellebuyck won't start Tuesday's game in Winnipeg, which is New Jersey's only trip to Canada Life Centre this season.
Hellebuyck spent 11 seasons in Winnipeg, winning three Vezina Trophies.
