What Happened
According to reports, Connor Hellebuyck told the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 2, before the team's first regular-season game, that he intended to end his absence. The Jets instead suspended him for three weeks for failure to report to training camp, citing CBA Article 15.13, subsection (c)(v). The suspension is set to expire Friday, Oct. 23. After Saturday's 3-2 loss to Carolina, coach Scott Arniel said the matter falls to general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who was not made available for comment.
Key Details
- Hellebuyck notified the Jets on Oct. 2 of his plan to return, according to reports.
- Winnipeg used CBA Article 15.13, subsection (c)(v) for the three-week suspension.
- The suspension is scheduled to expire Friday, Oct. 23.
- Winnipeg hosts Montreal in the Heritage Classic on Oct. 25 at Princess Auto Stadium.
- Arniel said his focus is on the Jets' next game against St. Louis.
What It Means
The expiry of the suspension would remove the immediate procedural barrier to Hellebuyck rejoining the Jets, but the club has not said whether he will be activated or traded. The timing places the decision just before the Heritage Classic, adding attention to a roster question the coach has declined to address.
What's Next
The Jets' next game is against St. Louis. The suspension expires Oct. 23, two days before Winnipeg hosts Montreal in the Heritage Classic. Any decision on Hellebuyck's status would fall to general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who has not commented.