The Winnipeg Jets’ top goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, will be sidelined for four to six weeks to undergo knee surgery, as announced by the NHL team on Friday. Hellebuyck, who has a record of 8-6-0 with a 2.51 goals-against average and .913 save percentage this season, has been playing through a knee injury. Jets head coach Scott Arniel stated that the decision to proceed with the surgery was timely given the lingering nature of the injury since training camp.
Having clinched his first Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and his third Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender in the 2024-25 season, Hellebuyck led the Jets to the best regular-season record in the league. The surgery comes ahead of the Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Milan, Italy, less than three months away. Although not initially named in the first group of six players for the United States’ Olympic preliminary roster, Hellebuyck was widely anticipated to be added to the team.
During Hellebuyck’s absence, Eric Comrie is expected to step into the starting role for the Jets. Comrie boasts a 4-1 record with a 2.60 goals-against average and .908 save percentage this season. To fill the void, the Jets have called up goaltender Thomas Milic from the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose.