After a slow day in the Toronto Maple Leafs stratosphere, we’re going to pivot and take a look at some headlines elsewhere in the NHL, beginning with Connor Hellebuyck’s recent letter to Winnipeg Jets fans.
The star goaltender was the subject of a messy Jets offseason that eventually ended with him requesting a trade and missing the start of the season. The saga was brought to an end a couple of weeks into the season, when he was traded to the New Jersey Devils for a package including forward Dawson Mercer and prospect Alexander Command.
While there was lots of messaging between Hellebuyck and the fanbase during this process, he formally addressed the fans with an open letter on Wednesday.
“When I think about my years in Winnipeg, I’ll always be grateful for the life my family and I built there and for the people who became such an important part of it,” Hellebuyck said in the letter. “It’s where I grew as a player and where we started our family. One of the things I’ve always loved about Manitoba is the connection people have to the outdoors. With so many beautiful lakes and places to enjoy nature, it’s a special part of life there. Some of my favourite memories away from the rink...