Jets suspend Hellebuyck after training camp holdout — SkimNews
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- Winnipeg Jets suspended Connor Hellebuyck on Wednesday night for failing to report to training camp, with GM Kevin Cheveldayoff scheduled to address reporters Thursday morning; the team did not disclose the suspension's duration.
- Hellebuyck requested a trade in late August through agent Ray Petkau, saying his "position has not changed" and that "moving on is the best path forward for me and my family."
- Hellebuyck, the 2025 NHL MVP and three-time Vezina Trophy winner drafted by Winnipeg in 2012, finished last season 23-23-11 with a career-worst .895 save percentage and led the United States to its first Olympic goal medal since 1980 in February.
- The Jets missed the playoffs by eight points after holding the NHL's best record the prior year, going 3-10-1 during a month-long Hellebuyck absence following late-November arthroscopic surgery.
- Stuart Skinner, signed to a two-year deal at $3.75 million annually, is the most experienced NHL backup on Winnipeg's six-goalie camp roster, while Thomas Milic (0-1, 3.46 GAA in three games) is the only other goalie with 2025-26 NHL appearances.
Why it matters: Hellebuyck, the reigning MVP and three-time Vezina winner, is publicly pushing his way out after his statistically worst season, and the Jets are now applying suspension leverage. With only Skinner and Milic offering NHL experience behind him, Winnipeg needs a trade resolution before opening night or risks starting the season without an established starter.
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