The Winnipeg Jets are approaching decision time regarding their goaltending situation with Connor Hellebuyck’s ongoing suspension set to expire Friday.
Hellebuyck informed Winnipeg on Oct. 2 that he intended to end his absence and return to the team amid the regular season. The Jets, however, used a provision in the NHL collective bargaining agreement to suspend him for three weeks after he failed to report to training camp.
Jets head coach Scott Arniel made clear Saturday that he is leaving the situation to general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
“I really don’t care right now on that scenario,” Arniel said after Winnipeg’s 3-2 loss to Carolina. “My focus is we’ve got St. Louis coming up.”
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Arniel added that he does not know what the roster will look like once the suspension expires, saying, “I don’t know what next week is going to look like and at the end of the day, for me, I’ve got 23 guys and all they care about is winning hockey games.”
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the NHL has supported Winnipeg’s position regarding its ability to suspend Hellebuyck.
“I’ve checked into this from a league perspective, and the league still very much sides with Winnipeg in the power of suspension,” Dreger said.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Once the suspension ends, Hellebuyck will become eligible to return to the Jets’ lineup. His $8.5 million cap hit, part of the seven-year, $59.5 million deal he signed with the Jets in Oct. 2023, returns to Winnipeg’s books.
Friedman reported on Monday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast that trade discussions involving the goalie remain ongoing, naming Buffalo, Carolina, Utah, and the Rangers among the teams pushing the hardest to land the goalie.
“I think it really comes down to Buffalo, Rangers, possibly Utah, possibly Carolina,” Friedman said.
Once Friday’s expiration date arrives, however, the Jets will not necessarily be required to put Hellebuyck immediately into their lineup.
More NHL Essentials
- NHL’s Top 25 Highest-Paid Players
- Every NHL Team Payroll, Ranked
- Best NHL Draft Steals of All Time
- NHL’s All-Time Career Earnings Rankings
- NHL Stanley Cup Final Matchups and Results Since 1918
