Winnipeg Jets Face Goalie Roster Decisions Amid Hellebuyck’s Absence

The Winnipeg Jets are set to begin the season with an unusual configuration, carrying three goaltenders on their roster. This development follows the absence of Connor Hellebuyck, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, from Monday’s practice session due to personal family matters. Head coach Scott Arniel has assured fans that Hellebuyck is expected to join the team for their season opener in Edmonton, alleviating fears of any injury-related absences.

“He’s away with family, personal reasons. He might not be back for tomorrow’s practice, but we’re expecting him to be on that plane when we head to Edmonton,” Arniel stated, confirming Hellebuyck’s private matter and outlining his expected return in time for opening day.

The decision to start the season with three goalies was unexpected, Arniel confirmed. Kaapo Kahkonen and Eric Comrie have been included in the roster, alongside Hellebuyck. “There is no plan to carry three goalies all season,” Arniel explained, indicating that once Hellebuyck is back in action, one of Kahkonen or Comrie will likely be placed on waivers.

As for the rest of the roster, the Jets have settled on a lineup featuring seven defensemen and 13 forwards. Several young players were assigned to the Manitoba Moose, including Elias Salomonsson, Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, and Jaret Anderson-Dolan, following an impressive training camp. Arniel praised their performances while emphasizing the importance of not rushing their progression to the NHL.

“I don’t want to force these guys into situations where they might fail,” remarked Arniel. “They’ve had great camps, and we see them as essential parts of our future. We want them to step forward and they did.”

Regarding injuries within the team, defensemen Ville Heinola and Logan Stanley will begin the season on injured reserve and are not expected back until November. Stanley appears to be advancing more quickly in his recovery, according to Arniel.

The Jets concluded their preseason with a narrow 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames. Despite a tense third period where they were outshot 21-4, the team managed to secure victory with a last-minute goal by Kyle Connor. Veteran defenseman Colin Miller expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance, acknowledging the areas that require further improvement.

“We definitely got some time to practice our penalty kill and power play,” Miller noted. “All those things will come with time.”