Winnipeg Jets
Connor Hellebuyck Returning to Jets? Things Are Getting Weird in Winnipeg
Connor Hellebuyck’s suspension will be lifted on Friday, which means he could return to the Jets if there’s no trade by then.
Elliotte Friedman dropped major news on Saturday: goaltender Connor Hellebuyck may be returning to the Winnipeg Jets. The word “might” matters here because, for now, all that’s confirmed is that Hellebuyck’s suspension is ending. That means he might still choose to sit out.
“According to multiple sources, Hellebuyck informed the Jets before their first game of the season (Oct. 2) of his intention to end his absence and report to the team. Since he did not have permission from the organization to stay away from training camp, Winnipeg had some additional power under the CBA.”
Apparently, they chose to use that power to keep him away.
Friedman explains: “Specifically, Article 15.13, subsection (c)(v), which reads: “If a Player who has not received permission to be absent from Training Camp returns to the Club, he shall be subject to a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length.”
The suspension ends Friday, Oct. 23. “At that time, Hellebuyck would be able to rejoin the team,” writes the insider.
Hellebuyck and the Jets Still Aren’t On the Same Page
Friedman noted that the suspension being lifted doesn’t change how either side feels about this situation. As such, a return isn’t a foregone conclusion. “I don’t think that’s what anyone wants — not Hellebuyck, not the Jets, not the players, not the fans — but that’s where we could be next week, barring a trade.”
Does this put pressure on the Jets to make a deal? If they don’t want him back and Hellebuyck is threatening to return, maybe. But, if Friedman’s remarks that Hellebuyck isn’t wanting to step back into that locker room either are accurate, he doesn’t have much leverage here.
No doubt, things are about to get a little weird in Winnipeg. The suspension allows a return that few expected. Hellebuyck might not take the opportunity to come back. The Jets would rather he didn’t. Should he, it might not be the smoothest of returns since the locker room isn’t thrilled at what he’s doing.
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Mr Greg Halk
October 17, 2026 at 4:05 pm
In this case, I feel Winnipeg has all the right to keep him out. If he’s truly saying he wants to come back, I’d send him down to the minors, until a reasonable trade can be made(although that would probably be against his contract) so then he sits at home, let him stew over all the money he’s losing! Surely he’s got lots of money that he could rent ice time somewhere and hire some midget team to shoot pucks at him!
I can still remember the day he and Shef signed their big contracts, both saying this is the only place they want to play etc etc. and it was an honor to play for Winnipeg and their fans. He’s not only hurting himself but also his teammates AND the fans(who by the way endured his play from his rookie years and stood by him!).
I personally am sick and tired of these young men not honoring these huge contracts they signed, where so many people are suffering to make ends meet, losing their jobs, their homes etc etc. Jeez, I personally would not spend the money to attend a game, not that I couldn’t afford it, but because I have other responsibilities in life!