Connor Hellebuyck, out of action with the Winnipeg Jets
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, sources confirmed.
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 experienced pain after the games. Both the Jets and the star goaltender felt it was best to address the situation at this time to prevent the problem from dragging on.
Hellebuyck’s surgery is scheduled for Saturday.
Hellebuyck, 32, has won the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender, for two consecutive seasons. He was looking to become the first goaltender since Hall of Famer 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 for the award five times.
In 14 games with the Jets, he has an 8-6-0 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average. The Jets are in third place in the Central Division with a .632 points percentage. Hellebuyck last played on Saturday in Calgary, stopping 31 of 34 shots and three more in the Jets’ shootout win over the Flames.
Winnipeg 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.
