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Connor Hellebuyck

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Connor Hellebuyck
Hellebuyck with the Manitoba Moose in 2016
Born (1993-05-19) May 19, 1993 (age 31)
Commerce, Michigan, U.S.
Height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight 207 lb (94 kg; 14 st 11 lb)
Position Goaltender
Catches Left
NHL team Winnipeg Jets
National team  United States
NHL draft 130th overall, 2012
Winnipeg Jets
Playing career 2014–present

Connor Charles Hellebuyck (/ˈhɛləbʌk/ HEL-ə-buk;[1] born May 19, 1993) is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

After completing his high school career at Walled Lake Northern High School, Hellebuyck was selected by the Jets in the fifth round, 130th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He spent two years with the UMass Lowell River Hawks, where he received the inaugural Mike Richter Award as the top goaltender in college hockey. Hellebuyck started his professional career during 2014–15 season with the Jets' American Hockey League affiliate, the St. John's IceCaps.

Hellebuyck began a starter with the Jets during the 2016–17 season, where he quickly amassed success. Over his tenure with the Jets, Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy twice as the best goaltender in the NHL and the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals against.

Early life

Hellebuyck was born on May 19, 1993, in Commerce Township, Michigan,[2] to parents Chuck and Erin. His father is a technical training engineer while his mother is an artist and children's books author.[3] Hellebuyck is the middle of three siblings;[3] his older brother Chris also played hockey before retiring in 2016–17.[4]

Playing career

Amateur

After completing his high school career at Walled Lake Northern High School in Commerce Township, Michigan, Hellebuyck played one year of junior hockey as a member of the Odessa Jackalopes, a franchise that had been a minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders but had recently moved to junior hockey as part of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Hellebuyck went from being virtually unknown to a top prospect while playing in Odessa and was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets following his season in Odessa.

Hellebuyck earned a scholarship to play for the UMass Lowell River Hawks in the NCAA Men's Division I Hockey East Conference, where in two seasons he played 54 games and compiled a 38–12–2 record with a .946 save percentage, 1.60 goals against average and 12 shutouts. He won the Hockey East Championship and made a Frozen Four appearance in his freshman year. Lowell would repeat as Hockey East Champions the following year and Hellebuyck became the only player in Hockey East history to be named tournament MVP twice. Following his second year, Hellebuyck's outstanding play was rewarded with a selection to the 2013–14 Hockey East First Team.[5]

For the 2013–14 season, Hellebuyck was awarded the inaugural Mike Richter Award as the top goaltender in college hockey.[6] Hellebuyck departed UMass Lowell as the school's shutout leader with 12 shutouts in 54 games, surpassing former National Hockey League and former UMass Lowell goaltender Carter Hutton. He also owns single-season records for best save percentage (.952) and GAA (1.37), both in 2012–13.[7]

Professional

Hellebuyck chose to forgo his final two years of college eligibility by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets on April 5, 2014. He was immediately assigned to the St. John's IceCaps, the Jets' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, for the remainder of the season but did not play a game.[8] When speaking of his decision, Hellebuyck said: "After two great years, I had to look at my career as a whole and think about my next step. After talking to both teams, it was a very difficult decision but I thought my play was ready for the next level."[9] After being cut from the Winnipeg Jets' training camp, Hellebuyck spent the entirety of the 2014–15 season with the IceCaps.[10] Hellebuyck started the season sharing the net with Peter Budaj but quickly became the IceCaps starter by mid-November.[11] Through his first six starts, Hellebuyck earned his first professional shutout, had a .955 save percentage, and tied for eighth in the league in goals against average (GAA).[12] He was recognized as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending on November 23. During the week, Hellebuyck won all four of his starts while recording two shutouts.[13] Although the IceCaps continued to struggle, with an Eastern Conference-worst goals against record,[14] Hellebuyck tied for fourth among all goalies in wins, and third among league rookies in save percentage. He was subsequently selected for the 2015 AHL All-Star Game.[15] When asked about Hellebuyck's start, IceCaps’ head coach Keith McCambridge said: "I’m not one to use the word ‘surprise’ haphazardly, but yeah, I have been surprised."[16] Hellebuyck recorded his fourth shutout of the season on February 7, 2015, against the Portland Pirates,[17] and his fifth the following night against the Hartford Wolf Pack.[18] On April 10, Hellebuyck was called up by the Jets to dress as the backup goaltender for one game.[19] Hellebuyck finished his rookie season with a 28–22–5 record, 2.58 GAA, and 0.921 save percentage.[9]

Following the 2014–15 season, the IceCaps moved to Winnipeg for the 2015–16 season and were renamed to the Manitoba Moose.[9] After appearing in two pre-season games with the Winnipeg Jets, Hellebuyck was reassigned to the Moose.[20] He began the season in the starting role with Eric Comrie as his backup. Hellebuyck started in eight of the team's first eleven games while posting a 2.12 average and a .939 save percentage.[21] On November 22, 2015, the Jets called up Hellebuyck after Ondřej Pavelec was injured during a game against the Arizona Coyotes.[22] He made his NHL debut on November 27, against the Minnesota Wild, and stopped 15 shots on net in the 3–1 win.[23] Hellebuyck also won his second NHL game on December 2, against the Toronto Maple Leafs with 32 saves in the 6-1 win.[24] Later that month, on December 27, Hellebuyck recorded his first NHL shutout in a 1–0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. This was the Jets' first shutout of the season and ended their two-game losing streak.[25] Despite remaining in the NHL, Hellebuyck was selected to represent the Manitoba Moose at the 2016 AHL All-Star Game.[26] Hellebuyck returned to the AHL in January once Pavelec recovered from his injury. He finished his first stint in the NHL with a 13–11–0 record, 2.34 goals-against, and a .918 save percentage.[27]

Becoming the starter (2016–present)

Hellebuyck attended the Winnipeg Jets training camp ahead of the 2016–17 season and made the team's opening night roster alongside Michael Hutchinson.[28][29] Prior to opening night, he was granted permission from Dan Snyder's family to wear the jersey #37 in his honour. The number had not been worn by anyone in the Thrashers/Jets franchise since his death in 2003.[30] Hellebuyck and Hutchinson shared the crease throughout the season, where both struggled to maintain consistency. By January, Hellebuyck had a 13-12-1 record through 26 games as the Jets were three points out of a playoff spot.[31] Hellebuyck finished his rookie season with a 26–19–4 record through 56 games and a 2.89 goals-against average, .907 save percentage, and four shutouts. He also played the most games of any goaltender age 23 and younger in the NHL. On July 24, 2017, the Jets re-signed Hellebuyck to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million.[32]

After making the opening night roster after the Jets' 2017–18 development camp, Hellebuyck played the majority of the season alongside Steve Mason.[33] After Mason had a poor few games, Hellebuyck became the defacto starter for the Jets for the remainder of the season.[34] Hellebuyck excelled in his role as starter, recording 23 wins through 35 games including three shut outs, a .923 save percentage, and 2.36 GAA.[35] Hellebuyck was also recognized as an NHL Star of the Week twice. The first time came on December 31 after he recorded a perfect 3-0-0 record, with a 1.67 goals-against average, .952 save percentage and one shutout over three games.[36] His second Star of the Week honor came on January 22 after he stopped 59 of 60 shots against over two games.[37] He was subsequently named to the 2017 NHL All-Star Game for the first time alongside teammate Blake Wheeler.[35] Hellebuyck finished the season with a 44–11–9 record in 67 games, setting the record for the most single-season wins by an American goaltender in the NHL, previously held by Tom Barrasso of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also tied with Wayne Stephenson for the record of most home wins by a goaltender in a single season with 30.[38] Hellebuyck also set a franchise record with nine straight wins to end the regular season.[39] As a result of his successful play, Hellebuyck was named a Vezina Trophy runner-up as the league's top goaltender behind Pekka Rinne.[40] On July 12, 2018, Hellebuyck signed a six-year, $37 million (worth an average annual value of $6.167 million) contract extension with the Jets.[41]

In the 2019–20 season, Hellebuyck was second in the NHL in wins (31), first in shutouts (six), and seventh in save percentage (.922) among goalies who played at least 20 games. He was 31–21–5 with a 2.57 goals-against average and allowed two or fewer goals in 32 of his 58 games to help the Jets (37–28–6, .563 points percentage) advance to the Stanley Cup Qualifiers.[42] On July 17, 2020, Hellebuyck was named a Vezina Trophy finalist as the league's top goaltender along with Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask and Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.[43] On September 21, 2020, before Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Hellebuyck was named the winner of the Vezina Trophy for the 2019–20 season, becoming the first goalie in Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers history to win the award.[42]

On February 4, 2021, Hellebuyck won his 153rd NHL game as the Jets beat the Calgary Flames 4–1, breaking the Jets/Thrashers franchise record for wins by a goaltender, previously held by Pavelec.[44]

Hellebuyck during a game against the Washington Capitals in 2022.

On April 24, 2022, Hellebuyck played in his 380th game as a Winnipeg Jet and he earned his 200th career victory (also as a Winnipeg Jet) as the Jets beat the Colorado Avalanche 4–1.

Hellebuyck was named a Vezina Trophy finalist for the third time in his career for the 2022–23 season, where he had a 37–25–2 and a .920 save percentage.[45] On October 9, 2023, Hellebuyck along with Mark Scheifele, both signed a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension with the Jets.[46] The 2023–24 season proved a great success for the Jets. The team finished fourth in the NHL, while Hellebuyck had a 37–19–4 record, a 2.39 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage.[47] The Jets allowed a league-low 199 goals in 82 games, and as a result Hellebuyck received the William M. Jennings Trophy. He was the first Jets goaltender to win the award.[48] He also won the Vezina Trophy for the second time in his career.[49]

International play


Hellebuyck with the USA at the 2015 World Hockey Championship
Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2015 Czech Republic

Hellebuyck was chosen by the United States to play at the 2015 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.[50] Hellebuyck would backstop the USA to a bronze medal in the tournament.[51] Hellebuyck posted a record of 7–1–0 with a pair of shutouts during his eight tournament games. He would also finish with a 1.37 goals-against average and a .948 saving percentage. His seven wins tied a U.S. record for most in a single tournament set in 1939.[52] Hellebuyck had been named to the initial roster of Team North America for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.[53]

Personal life

Hellebuyck and his wife Andrea have two children together.[54] In 2023, Hellebuyck co-authored two children's books about mental health with Thom Van Dycke titled 'Bucky Beats the Blues' and "Is Something Wrong With Weasel?"[55]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L T/OT MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2011–12 Odessa Jackalopes NAHL 53 26 21 5 3085 128 3 2.49 .930 4 1 3 243 14 0 3.46 —
2012–13 UMass-Lowell HE 24 20 3 0 1397 32 6 1.37 .952 — — — — — — — —
2013–14 UMass-Lowell HE 29 18 9 2 1747 52 6 1.79 .941 — — — — — — — —
2014–15 St. John's IceCaps AHL 58 28 22 5 3332 143 6 2.58 .921 — — — — — — — —
2015–16 Manitoba Moose AHL 30 13 15 1 1735 72 4 2.49 .922 — — — — — — — —
2015–16 Winnipeg Jets NHL 26 13 11 0 1423 56 2 2.34 .918 — — — — — — — —
2016–17 Winnipeg Jets NHL 56 26 19 4 3034 146 4 2.89 .907 — — — — — — — —
2017–18 Winnipeg Jets NHL 67 44 11 9 3966 156 6 2.36 .924 17 9 8 1016 40 2 2.36 .922
2018–19 Winnipeg Jets NHL 63 34 23 3 3705 179 2 2.90 .913 6 2 4 360 16 0 2.67 .913
2019–20 Winnipeg Jets NHL 58 31 21 5 3269 140 6 2.57 .922 4 1 3 237 12 0 3.04 .904
2020–21 Winnipeg Jets NHL 45 24 17 3 2603 112 4 2.58 .916 8 4 4 538 20 1 2.23 .931
2021–22 Winnipeg Jets NHL 66 29 27 10 3904 193 4 2.97 .910 — — — — — — — —
2022–23 Winnipeg Jets NHL 64 37 25 2 3778 157 4 2.49 .920 5 1 4 315 18 0 3.44 .886
2023–24 Winnipeg Jets NHL 60 37 19 4 3567 142 5 2.39 .921 5 1 4 275 24 0 5.23 .864
NHL totals 505 275 173 41 29,258 1,281 37 2.63 .917 45 18 27 2,739 130 3 2.85 .910

International

Year Team Event Result GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2015 United States WC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 8 7 1 0 482 11 2 1.37 .948
2017 United States WC 5th 2 2 0 0 120 5 0 2.50 .900
Senior totals 10 9 1 0 602 16 2 1.59 .930

Awards and honours

Award Year
College
Hockey East All-Tournament Team 2013, 2014 [56]
All-Hockey East First Team 2013–14 [57]
AHCA East First-Team All-American 2013–14
Mike Richter Award 2013–14 [58]
NHL
NHL All-Star 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024
NHL Second All-Star Team 2018
Vezina Trophy 2020, 2024
NHL First All-Star Team 2020, 2024
William M. Jennings Trophy 2024 [48]
International
WC All-Star Team 2015 [59]

References

  1. ^ "Connor Hellebuyck wins three, including his ninth career shutout". YouTube.
  2. ^ "Connor Hellebuyck". Elite Prospects. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Owen, Judy (December 4, 2017). "Attention to detail runs in the family of Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  4. ^ "Chris Hellebuyck". Elite Prospects. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  5. ^ "UMass Lowell – Connor Hellebuyck named First-Team Hockey East All-Star". University of Massachusetts Lowell. March 20, 2014.
  6. ^ "UMass-Lowell's Connor Hellebuyck wins inaugural Mike Richter Award – NHL.com – On Campus". nhl.com. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  7. ^ Soderberg, Justin (April 5, 2014). "Connor Hellebuyck jets from UMass Lowell early".
  8. ^ McMahon, Michael M. (April 5, 2014). "Jets agree to terms with 2012 third-round pick Connor Hellebuyck". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Titus, Mark (April 9, 2015). "Connor Hellebuyck: Quickly Rising Through Hockey's Ranks from NAHL to Pro". Professional Hockey Players' Association. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  10. ^ Ballard, Chris (October 21, 2014). "Hellebuyck primed for big things". American Hockey League. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  11. ^ McCarthy, Brendan (November 18, 2014). "Hellebuyck to start as IceCaps host Marlies". The Telegram. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  12. ^ Nakhwal, CK (November 12, 2015). "Game Preview: Moose vs. Wolves – Nov. 12". Manitoba Moose. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  13. ^ "Hellebuyck named Player of the Week". American Hockey League. November 24, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  14. ^ Norman, Caroline (January 28, 2015). "Entering the gates of Hell-ebuyck". The Manitoban. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  15. ^ Janke, Kinsey (January 16, 2015). "Hellebuyck continues to shine for St. John's". American Hockey League. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  16. ^ McCarthy, Brendan (February 6, 2015). "Hellebuyck a welcome workhorse for IceCaps". The Telegram. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  17. ^ "Hellebuyck stops 35 shots IceCaps blank Pirates". Sportsnet. February 7, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  18. ^ "Wolf Pack Held Scoreless in St. John's". Hartford Wolf Pack. February 10, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  19. ^ Campbell, Tim (April 10, 2015). "Jets call up goalie Hellebuyck from St. John's". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  20. ^ Nakhwal, CK (September 30, 2015). "Connor Hellebuyck assigned to Moose". Manitoba Moose. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  21. ^ Nakhwal, CK (November 10, 2015). "Hellebuyck's shutout mission". Manitoba Moose. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  22. ^ Wiecek, Paul (November 22, 2025). "Jets call up Hellebuyck after Pavelec injured by Doan hit". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  23. ^ "Hellebuyck wins in NHL debut; Jets top Wild". Sportsnet. November 27, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  24. ^ "Toronto Maple Leafs fall to Jets as Winnipeg's rookie goalie Connor Hellebuyck outshines Garret Sparks". National Post. December 3, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  25. ^ "Hellebuyck earns 1st career shutout, Jets blank Penguins". Sportsnet. December 27, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  26. ^ Nakhwal, CK (January 7, 2016). "Hellebuyck selected to 2016 Toyota AHL All-Star Classic roster". Manitoba Moose. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  27. ^ Nakhwal, CK (April 12, 2016). "Hellebuyck looks back and forward". Manitoba Moose. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  28. ^ "Ondrej Pavelec placed on waivers by Jets as rosters trimmed". Sportsnet. October 10, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  29. ^ Dittrick, Ryan (October 10, 2016). "Hellebuyck, Hutchinson to lead Jets in goal". National Hockey League. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  30. ^ Hobson, Rob (October 5, 2016). "Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck has new mask paying tribute to Dan Snyder". Global News. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  31. ^ Hamilton, Jeff (January 3, 2017). "Struggles between the pipes". Winnipeg Free Press. Archived from the original on October 26, 2024. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  32. ^ "Jets sign Connor Hellebuyck". National Hockey League. July 24, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  33. ^ Fox, Luke (May 4, 2018). "Steve Mason's new mask a portrait of his hardest season". Sportsnet. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  34. ^ Wyman, Ted (April 29, 2018). "Mason embracing role as Hellebuyck's backup after injury-riddled season". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  35. ^ a b Thomas, Jamie (January 10, 2018). "Wheeler, Hellebuyck honoured to be named All Stars". National Hockey League. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  36. ^ "Hellebuyck leads 3 Stars of the Week". National Hockey League. January 1, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  37. ^ "MacKinnon leads 3 Stars of the Week". National Hockey League. January 22, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  38. ^ "Hellebuyck sets American goalie record in Jets win over Blackhawks". National Hockey League. April 7, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  39. ^ "Vezina Trophy finalists unveiled". National Hockey League. April 17, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  40. ^ "Nashville's Pekka Rinne wins Vezina Trophy as NHL's best goaltender". Sportsnet. June 20, 2018. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  41. ^ The Canadian Press (July 12, 2018). "Winnipeg Jets sign goalie Connor Hellebuyck to six-year contract after breakout season". The Star.
  42. ^ a b "Hellebuyck of Jets wins Vezina Trophy as best goalie in NHL". NHL.com. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  43. ^ "Vezina Trophy winner to be announced before Game 2 of Stanley Cup Final". NHL.com. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  44. ^ Clinton, Mitchell (February 4, 2021). "Hellebuyck sets franchise win record in Jets victory over Flames". Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  45. ^ Satriano, David (May 11, 2023). "Hellebuyck, Sorokin, Ullmark named Vezina Trophy finalists". NHL.com. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  46. ^ "Scheifele, Hellebuyck each signs 7-year, $59.5 million contract with Jets". nhl.com. October 9, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  47. ^ "Jets, Connor Hellebuyck win William M. Jennings Trophy". Sportsnet. April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  48. ^ a b "Hellebuyck of Jets wins William M. Jennings Trophy". NHL.com. April 19, 2024. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  49. ^ Satriano, David (April 29, 2024). "Bobrovsky, Demko, Hellebuyck named Vezina Trophy finalists". NHL.com. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  50. ^ "Connor Hellebuyck selected to U.S. National team for Worlds". millcitysports.com. April 2, 2015. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  51. ^ "USA wins bronze with shutout win over Czech Republic at World Championship". The Score. May 17, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  52. ^ "Connor Hellebuyck, U.S. take home bronze at IIHF World Championships". Mill City Sports. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
  53. ^ "Connor Hellebuyck named to Team North America World Cup roster". Mill City Sports. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
  54. ^ Leite, AJ (November 2, 2021). "There's A New Hellebuyck In Winnipeg!". Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  55. ^ Ates, Murat (March 10, 2023). "Winnipeg Jets star Connor Hellebuyck opens up about mental health, children's book: 'I know my truths'". The Athletic. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  56. ^ "2013–14 Hockey East Media Guide". Hockey East. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  57. ^ "HockeyEastOnline.com – LEAGUE ANNOUNCES ALL-STAR TEAMS". Archived from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  58. ^ "UMass-Lowell's Hellebuyck wins Mike Richter Award". nhl.com. April 11, 2014.
  59. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). IIHF. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 22, 2019. Retrieved August 1, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Hockey East Tournament MVP
2013, 2014 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Hockey East Goaltending Champion
2012–13 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Award created
 Mike Richter Award
2013–14 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Vezina Trophy
2020 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Vezina Trophy winner
2020
2024 		Succeeded by
Preceded by William M. Jennings Trophy
2024 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
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