Jets suspend goalie Connor Hellebuyck for failing to report to training camp

On Wednesday, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck failed to report for the start of the team's training camp. Consequently, the Jets have suspended Hellebuyck. Players were required to attend on Wednesday for medicals and physicals, with the first on-ice practice scheduled for Thursday. This development follows Hellebuyck's public trade demand through his agent, which occurred approximately three weeks ago.

Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will address the media about the situation on Thursday morning. Hellebuyck, 33, remains under contract with the Jets for the remainder of the season, which presents a unique situation as NHL players are not paid until the commencement of the regular season. His holdout would not incur any financial repercussions if a trade were arranged prior to the start of the campaign.

Team captain Adam Lowry expressed confidence that Hellebuyck's absence would not create a significant distraction within the team. "Helle's a good friend of ours," said Lowry. "It's not something that we think is gonna really impact the room. It’s not gonna create a big divide. From our perspective, we've got to focus on getting ourselves ready for camp."

DeMelo, a defenseman on the team, echoed Lowry's sentiment, stating that they must "go about our business" regardless of Hellebuyck's presence. He added that the situation will inevitably be a topic of discussion during camp but emphasized that they will not let it become a distraction.

The situation gives Stuart Skinner, the team's backup goaltender, a clear path to become the starting goaltender. Skinner commented, "It’s funny, it might be me that gets impacted a little bit more. I haven't thought much about it. There's so many distractions that can go around in this league when you're playing – through trades, through anybody's situation. What I’ve learned in my four years is my job is my job. I’m honestly just worrying about that."

Prior to this incident, the last time the Jets had a player not report for camp was in 2016, involving defenceman Jacob Trouba. This was while Trouba was a restricted free agent and had no contract. The last NHL player to hold out with a contract was Alexei Yashin in 1999. With this development, the Jets now have five goaltenders in camp: Skinner, Thomas Milic, Domenic DiVincentiis, Isaac Poulter, and Alex Worthington.