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The Winnipeg Jets’ prominent goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, will be sidelined for a duration of four to six weeks to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his knee, as formally announced by the NHL team this Friday.
Throughout this season, Hellebuyck has maintained an 8-6-0 record, boasting a 2.51 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. The Jets, prior to their Friday game against Carolina, held the third-place position in the Central Division.
Jets’ head coach, Scott Arniel, conveyed on Friday that Hellebuyck had been endeavoring to perform despite a knee ailment, and the present juncture is deemed suitable for addressing the issue.
“He’s enjoyed a decade of relative health,” Arniel stated. “This matter has been somewhat persistent since the training camp commenced. It was something we were cognizant of.
“He attempted to persevere. There were instances of improvement and decline. Now is an opportune time to proceed with the necessary measures.”
Hellebuyck was previously honored with his inaugural Hart Trophy as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player, alongside his third Vezina Trophy as the league’s premier goaltender in 2024-25, a season in which the Jets attained the foremost regular-season record.
The impending surgery is scheduled less than three months prior to the inauguration of the Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Milan, Italy.
Hellebuyck, hailing from Commerce, Michigan, was not included within the initial cohort of six players designated for the United States’ Olympic preliminary roster, though it was widely presumed that he would be integrated into the team subsequently.
Eric Comrie is slated to assume the role of starting goaltender for the Jets during Hellebuyck’s recuperation. This season, he has garnered a 4-1 record, accompanied by a 2.60 GAA and a .908 save percentage.
In a corresponding action, the Jets have summoned goaltender Thomas Milic from the Manitoba Moose, an affiliate of the American Hockey League.
