Connor Hellebuyck just said what most refused to say about Linus Ullmark
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Daniel Lucente
Jan 27, 2026 (9:57)
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Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
Connor Hellebuyck heard the Linus Ullmark talk, and he hated what it turned into.
Winnipeg Jets fans live in the noise, but this one wasn't about goals or saves.
On Monday, Hellebuyck said he "felt for" Ullmark and begged people to stop guessing, stop piling on, and just listen.
That matters coming from a goalie, because they know how lonely it can get between the pipes.
Ottawa Senators fans just watched Ullmark take a personal leave, and social media did what it always does, it filled the silence with garbage.
Here's the part that hit me, Hellebuyck wasn't defending bad play, he was defending a person.
"I felt for him. I've met him. He's a great guy. I just felt sad... I mean, that's the whole point of mental health, is sit down and listen, just talk to the guy, don't speculate, don't attack"
- Connor Hellebuyck
- Connor Hellebuyck
Ullmark later explained the leave was tied to mental health, including anxiety and panic during that December 27 game in Toronto.
That is real life bleeding into the rink, and it can happen to anyone.
Meanwhile, the Jets are trying to drag their season back on track at 20-24-7.
The standings don't care why you're hurting, but teammates should.
Connor Hellebuyck makes the Winnipeg Jets human again
Jets fans are frustrated right now, and it would be so easy to turn every goalie story into a punchline.
Hellebuyck's own line is rough too, 12-14-6 with a 2.69 GAA and .902 save percentage.
So when he speaks up for another goalie, it feels like a player saying, "I get it."
Ullmark's numbers in Ottawa sit at 14-8-5, 2.95 GAA, .881 save percentage, and one shutout.
This is bigger than rivalries, or chirps, or whose mask looks cooler.
It's also a reminder for Jets fans heading into Tuesday in New Jersey, the next game is still a game.
Win or lose, I want the conversation to stay on hockey, not someone's pain.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 27|168 ANSWERS Connor Hellebuyck just said what most refused to say about Linus Ullmark Should Connor Hellebuyck's message change how fans talk about Linus Ullmark's mental health? | ||
| Yes | 137 | 81.5 % |
| No | 31 | 18.5 % |
| List of polls | ||