What Happened
Connor Hellebuyck told the Winnipeg Jets before their Oct. 2 season opener that he intended to end his absence and report to the team, according to multiple sources cited by Sportsnet. Because he stayed away from training camp without the organization's permission, Winnipeg applied CBA Article 15.13, subsection (c)(v), which allows a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length. Sources say that suspension is scheduled to end Friday, Oct. 23, at which point Hellebuyck could rejoin the club unless a trade is completed first.
Key Details
- Hellebuyck informed the Jets of his intention to report before the Oct. 2 season opener, per sources.
- He did not have permission from the organization to be absent from training camp.
- The CBA provision cited allows a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length for an unpermitted return.
- Sources say the suspension ends Friday, Oct. 23.
- Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and agent Ray Petkau declined to comment.
What It Means
The reported end date would make Hellebuyck eligible to return to a Jets team he has been away from since training camp, though sources indicate that outcome is not seen as desirable for either side. A trade before Oct. 23 would change the picture. Until the team or league confirms the suspension timeline, the situation remains reported rather than official.
What's Next
The reported suspension end date is Friday, Oct. 23. Whether Hellebuyck rejoins Winnipeg or is traded before then is unresolved, and neither the Jets nor his agent have commented.