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Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck won’t dress vs. Canucks

The Winnipeg Jets will return from the Olympic break without their star netminder in between the pipes.

Connor Hellebuyck won’t dress for Wednesday’s road game against the Vancouver Canucks, and backup Eric Comrie will draw the start in net.

The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner was designated as a non-roster player by the team to free up a roster spot.

Hellebuyck, of course, is returning to the Jets after starring for Team USA during its run to a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. In five games for the Americans, Hellebuyck posted a .956 save percentage and 1.18 goals-against average (GAA).

He was one of the American players who attended the State of the Union address by U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. During the speech, Trump announced that Hellebuyck will be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his performance in Milan.

Hellebuyck will try to carry that momentum into the second half of the Jets’ season. He hasn’t quite been on the same level as his 2024-25 campaign, but still owns a 2.79 GAA and .900 save percentage.

Winnipeg currently sits 11 points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference with a 22-26-8 record.

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