- Connor Hellebuyck’s suspension is set to end Friday, Oct. 23
- He told the Jets on Oct. 2 that he planned to report, but the CBA allowed a suspension for missing camp
- Read below for what happens next in Winnipeg
Connor Hellebuyck can rejoin the Jets next Friday. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that the goaltender’s suspension ends Oct. 23.
There is more to the timeline than anyone knew. According to Friedman, Hellebuyck told the Jets before their first game on Oct. 2 that he intended to end his absence and report. Because he skipped training camp without permission, though, Winnipeg had extra power under the CBA.
Friedman pointed to Article 15.13, subsection (c)(v). It says a player who returns after missing camp without permission is “subject to a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length.” Friedman noted that the word “reasonable” is doing a lot of the work there. Three weeks is where the sides landed.
Friedman also laid out one outcome nobody wants. If no trade happens, the Jets could end up paying Hellebuyck to stay home next week. Neither Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff nor agent Ray Petkau would comment.
The cost to Hellebuyck has been steep. He has forfeited more than $38,000 a day since the season began, which a fan-made tracker has been counting. Pro Hockey Rumors estimates he will pass $900,000 in lost salary by Friday.
His $8.5 million cap hit also returns to Winnipeg’s books at that point, and the Jets will need a roster spot. They currently carry a full 23-player roster.
Hellebuyck requested a trade after the 2025-26 season and went public with the demand in August. He is under contract through 2031. Cheveldayoff said in camp that he had not received an adequate offer. The Hurricanes and Kings are among the teams that have reportedly inquired, and a return to Winnipeg had already been gaining talk.
The Jets have not needed him so far. They are 4-1-2 and have leaned on Clay Stevenson in net. Here’s Stevenson after the win in Pittsburgh:
Friday now looks like a deadline. Either Hellebuyck is traded by then, or the Jets have an awkward week ahead.
