Winnipeg Jets Stunned as Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck Takes Unexpected Leave from Team
The Winnipeg Jets have the tough task of facing the Oilers in their season opener on Wednesday, but now the team have confirmed the absence of their biggest star.
Last off-season, the Winnipeg Jets extended Connor Hellebuyck right before the season, and the superstar goaltender rewarded them handsomely, winning the Vezina Trophy last season as he would help lead the Jets to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Now, on the eve of an ever important 2024/25 campaign, Hellebuyck has surprised the entire NHL, with reporters revealing that the veteran goalie will be taking a leave of absence right before the season begins.
Jets coach Scott Arniel would address the situation promptly, revealing that it's a family matter that is taking Hellebuyck away from the ice, offering him the privacy he needs to get back with the team as soon as he can.
Despite the Jets starting their season on Wednesday on the road in Edmonton, Arniel remains confident that he will be on the ice with them against the defending Western Conference Champions. Last season, Hellebuyck put up some incredible numbers, posting a .921 save percentage and a 2.39 GAA through 60 games played, and while the team would be promptly dominated by the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he was key in getting them as far as they ultimately went.
This year, the team have made very few changes to their lineup, signalling that they are once again relying on the veteran to pull them through the season, because if his play isn't at that level once again, there's question marks about how far this team can truly go. With the season opener just over 24 hours away, keep a close eye on this story, as it could drastically change the way the Jets get their 2024/25 season underway, but with optimism that he'll be there, all signs point to this being a quick absence for the 31-year old star.
UPDATE:
Now, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has returned to the ice on Tuesday for a quick skate, and according to a report, it appears he'll be travelling with the team to Edmonton with the intent of starting opening night for the Jets.
It's unclear what will be made of Hellebuyck's absence once the team return to Winnipeg, but for now, he will be back on the ice against the Oilers and will likely play a huge role as the team look to get off to a hot start in 2024/25.
