Winnipeg Jets’ star goalie Connor Hellebuyck is set to undergo an arthroscopic knee procedure, sidelining him for four to six weeks, as per an announcement by the NHL team on Friday. Hellebuyck, who holds an 8-6-0 record with a 2.51 goals-against average and .913 save percentage this season, has been dealing with a knee issue that he attempted to play through, according to Jets coach Scott Arniel.
Arniel mentioned that Hellebuyck has been managing the nagging injury since training camp, and the timing is now appropriate for him to address it. The goaltender, who secured the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and his third Vezina Trophy in the 2024-25 season, led the Jets to the best regular-season record that year.
The knee surgery arrives just before the upcoming Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Milan, Italy, with Hellebuyck, a native of Commerce, Mich., expected to be a key player for the United States team, despite not being among the initial six players named to the preliminary roster.
During Hellebuyck’s absence, Eric Comrie is anticipated to step into the starting goalie position for the Jets. Comrie has showcased a 4-1 record with a 2.60 GAA and .908 save percentage so far this season. Additionally, the Jets have brought up goalie Thomas Milic from the Manitoba Moose, the American Hockey League affiliate, in a corresponding move.