Connor Hellebuyck, Jets’ star goalie, will miss several weeks due to injury
The Winnipeg Jets will be without their star goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, for a period of four to six weeks due to a minor arthroscopic procedure on his knee.
Hellebuyck has been dealing with this injury since training camp. Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel revealed that the goalie tried to play despite the discomfort, but felt pain after the games. Both the Jets and the player felt it was best to address the situation at this time to prevent the problem from dragging on.
The operation is scheduled for Saturday.
Hellebuyck, 32, has won the Vezina Trophy, which recognizes the NHL’s best goaltender, for two consecutive seasons. He was looking to become the first goaltender since Dominik Hasek (1996-99) to win the award three times in a row.
In total, Hellebuyck has three Vezina Trophy wins 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 third in the Central Division with a points percentage of .632.
The last Hellebuyck game was Saturday in Calgary, where he stopped 31 of 34 shots and then three more in the Jets’ shootout win against the Flames.
Winnipeg has called up goaltender Thomas Milic from the AHL’s 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.
