Winnipeg trades star goalie Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey

A long and costly standoff over in Winnipeg. The Jets trading star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey after a public trade demand. This is over. The Jets general manager admitting to a few pressure-filled months. It's not necessarily what I got. It was more like what other teams are willing to pay. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner for best goalie and one-time league MVP, is going to the Devils for three forwards, a goalie, and two draft picks. He's also the latest in a string of American players that have demanded and forced trades, mostly off Canadian teams. The National Hockey League does have an issue, in my opinion. It puts a general manager in a small Canadian market like Ottawa or here in Winnipeg in a really difficult situation. Shot, scores! In this case, Hellebuyck's demand came after he helped the U.S. win gold at the Olympics. He was praised by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Jets later confirmed there were threats against Hellebuyck. In April, Winnipeg missed the playoffs. Hellebuyck made his frustrations clear. I played good enough to win a gold medal, and I'm telling you, my game wasn't different before or after. After a public trade request and five years left on his contract, he refused to report to training camp. The Jets suspended him for 10 games, teammates saying it would be hard to welcome him back. We focus on the group we have here. With 10 games up, the Jets were under more pressure to either trade Hellebuyck or pay him to stay home. This fan-built website tracked Hellebuyck's combined daily salary loss over 10 games, nearly $1 million. I saw more than a few social media comments saying, man, Connor Hellebuyck is giving up more money per day than I make in a year. This week in Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk got a rough welcome his first game back after forcing a trade this summer. New Jersey plays in Winnipeg November 10th. The Jets GM wouldn't speculate on Hellebuyck's reception, saying he's just happy the deal is done. Fortunately, you know, I can now have some sleep. Cameron McIntosh, CBC News, Winnipeg.