Connor Hellebuyck, Jets’ star goalie, out with injury
The Winnipeg Jets will be without their star goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, for a period of four to six weeks. This is because the player will undergo a minor arthroscopic procedure on his knee, according to confirmed sources.
Hellebuyck has been dealing with this injury since training camp. Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel revealed that the goalie tried to play despite the discomfort he felt after the games. Both the Jets and the player felt it was better to address the problem now, rather than let it persist.
Hellebuyck’s surgery is scheduled for Saturday.
Hellebuyck, 32, has been awarded the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender for two consecutive seasons. He was looking to become the first netminder since Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek (1996-99) to win the award three straight times.
In total, Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy three times and has been a finalist five times.
In the 14 games he has played with the Jets, he has a record of 8-6-0, with a save percentage of .913 and a goals-against average of 2.51. The Jets are in third place in the Central Division, with a points percentage of .632. Their last game was on Saturday in Calgary, where he stopped 31 of 34 shots and three more in the Jets’ victory over the Flames in the shootout.
Winnipeg has called up goaltender Thomas Milic from the AHL Manitoba Moose, who will pair with backup goaltender Eric Comrie during Hellebuyck’s absence.
Hellebuyck is expected to be Team USA’s starting goaltender at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy in February. He played that role for the Americans at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season, losing in the gold medal game against Canada.
