Winnipeg Jets shuts down Connor Hellebuyck for minor knee surgery; star goalie out for significant time

The Winnipeg Jets were dealt a major blow Friday as star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was ruled out for four to six weeks due to a minor arthroscopic knee surgery. TSN insider Darren Dreger broke the news, reporting that the Jets have officially shut down the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner while he recovers.

Dreger shared the news on X, writing,

"Breaking: The @NHLJets are shutting down Connor Hellebuyck in order for him undergo a minor Arthroscopic knee procedure. It is anticipated Hellebuyck will be out 4 to 6 weeks."

Hellebuyck, 32, had been off to a strong start this season, posting an 8-6-0 record with a 2.51 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage across 14 starts. It remains unclear when the injury occurred, but the Jets are opting for caution with their franchise cornerstone. He remains a leading candidate to start for Team USA at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina.

Eric Comrie will step in as the Jets’ main goaltender during Hellebuyck’s absence. However, the Jets have also recalled prospect Thomas Milic from AHL Manitoba to serve as backup.

The timing is significant for a Jets team currently sitting third in the Central Division with a 12-7-0 record. Winnipeg returns to action Friday night at home against the Carolina Hurricanes, with forward Nikolaj Ehlers set to make his return.

Hellebuyck’s absence comes less than a year after one of the most dominant seasons by a goaltender in modern NHL history. In late April, he captured his second straight William M. Jennings Trophy, posting a remarkable 47-12-3 record along with a 2.00 GAA, .925 save percentage, and eight shutouts. His play propelled the Jets to the Presidents’ Trophy as the league’s top regular-season team.

Connor Hellebuyck's last game before the injury announcement

Connor Hellebuyck last played in Saturday's game against the Calgary Flames. He turned aside 31 of 34 shots in a 4-3 shootout victory. This was his second win in his last five games. However, he has had just one game below the .900 save percentage in that stretch.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Hellebuyck has compiled a stellar 330-191-44 career record with a 2.56 GAA, .918 save percentage, and 45 shutouts.

Following that game, Winnipeg begins a three-game homestand Tuesday against Columbus, which they have won 5-2. For now, Winnipeg must navigate a challenging stretch without their MVP, and hope their star netminder returns fully healthy for the push ahead.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar