Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump following his standout performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hellebuyck helped lead the U.S. to gold with 41 saves in a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada, earning the nation’s first Olympic hockey championship since 1980.

The medal is America’s highest civilian honor and Hellebuyck becomes the first professional hockey player to receive it. He joins an elite group of athletes, including Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Simone Biles, and Tiger Woods. Trump praised Hellebuyck’s performance, noting the unanimous support from his teammates for awarding him this recognition.

While most of the U.S. Olympic team attended the White House ceremony, Hellebuyck’s Jets teammate Kyle Connor and a few others skipped the event to return home before the Jets’ upcoming road trip. Hellebuyck, however, expressed the importance of the moment and the pride he felt representing his country.

Jets fans, what are your thoughts on Hellebuyck receiving this honor? How special is it to see a Jets player recognized on such a historic stage, and do you think this Olympic success will carry momentum into the rest of his NHL season?