The Winnipeg Jets’ standout goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to an arthroscopic knee procedure, the NHL franchise announced on Friday. Hellebuyck, with a record of 8-6-0 this season, has a 2.51 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. The Jets, currently in third place in the Central Division, faced off against Carolina on Friday.
Jets head coach Scott Arniel revealed that Hellebuyck had been battling a knee injury and the decision was made to address it now. Arniel noted that Hellebuyck had been dealing with the issue since training camp and attempted to play through it, experiencing fluctuations in discomfort.
Hellebuyck, who secured his first Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and his third Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender during the 2024-25 season, led the Jets to the league’s best regular-season record.
The surgical procedure precedes the upcoming Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Milan, Italy, by less than three months. Although Hellebuyck was not initially named in the first group of six players selected for the United States’ Olympic preliminary roster, his inclusion on the team was widely anticipated.
During Hellebuyck’s absence, Eric Comrie is expected to step into the starting goaltender role for the Jets. Comrie has recorded a 4-1 record this season with a 2.60 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. Additionally, the Jets have summoned goaltender Thomas Milic from the Manitoba Moose, the American Hockey League affiliate, to fill the roster spot.
