Brief
Jets goalie Hellebuyck’s suspension set to end Friday after holdout
The Winnipeg Jets say the goalie’s suspension will conclude Friday, but his return to the lineup remains uncertain.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s team‑imposed suspension is scheduled to end on Friday, according to a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman cited by the Winnipeg Free Press.
What happened
Hellebuyck informed the Jets on Oct. 2 that he wanted to return to the team after a holdout that began with a trade request in late August. The organization responded by imposing a suspension that will run through Friday, Oct. 23.
What the reports add
The Free Press article notes that the suspension’s end does not guarantee Hellebuyck will suit up for the Jets next week; the team’s next game is against St. Louis. It also highlights that backup goalies Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson have been covering the net, with Stevenson making 34 saves in his third start on Saturday.
What was said
Jets head coach Scott Arniel told the press after a 3‑2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, “I really don’t care right now on that scenario… My focus is we’ve got St. Louis coming up… I don’t know what next week is going to look like.”
Team captain Adam Lowry said, “Do I love the decision, do I love the way it’s dragged on? No. But we’ll handle the situation when it comes… If he does show up, there’s going to be conversations. We keep moving forward. We’re a team, regardless of who’s in the room.”
How it came about
The suspension follows Hellebuyck’s refusal to report to training camp after requesting a trade in August, a dispute that has kept the Jets’ management, including GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, searching for a “right” trade partner. Earlier coverage by Felo News detailed the financial impact of the suspension, estimating a loss of over $925,000 in salary and noting potential trade destinations such as Edmonton, Buffalo, Carolina and Los Angeles.
Key facts
- Connor Hellebuyck’s suspension ends on Friday, Oct. 23. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Hellebuyck told the Jets he wanted to return on Oct. 2. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Jets coach Scott Arniel said he is focused on the upcoming game against St. Louis. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Backup goalie Clay Stevenson made 34 saves in his third start on Saturday. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Captain Adam Lowry said the team will handle the situation when Hellebuyck returns. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “New twist in Hellebuyck saga, suspension ends Friday”
