Connor Hellebuyck calls Jets season 'unacceptable' as questions grow over Winnipeg future

Connor Hellebuyck has delivered a stark assessment of the Winnipeg Jets season, calling the team’s performance “unacceptable” after missing the playoffs.

Speaking at the club’s end-of-season media availability, the three-time Vezina Trophy winner did not hold back.

“What we did was unacceptable, and no one wants to be a part of that,” Hellebuyck said. “This year, it was chaos,” he said.

Winnipeg finished with a 35-35-12 record, placing seventh in the Central Division and missing the post-season for the first time in four years.

The result marks a sharp decline after winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-25.

Hellebuyck admitted the road ahead is uncertain, particularly in attracting talent: “It's hard, it's hard. Can you get the pieces you need? Will the players come? Those are always questions that you have in Winnipeg.”

Despite a dip in his personal statistics, the 32-year-old reiterated his long-term goal. “For me, it's winning a Stanley Cup,” said Hellebuyck.

“That's my goal, and that's all I have left. That's what I want on my resume. I don't play this game for the money. I don't play it for the fame.”