Thomas Milic, Manitoba (Winnipeg Jets)
With Connor Hellebuyck out likely until the end of December following knee surgery, Milic was recalled by the Jets on Nov. 21.
Hellebuyck’s injury and subsequent absence meant that the Jets had to change plans quickly, but Milic, 22, has been among the AHL’s top goalies in his third pro season. Selected in the fifth round (No. 151) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Milic had considerable success with Seattle of the Western Hockey League. In 2022-23, his final WHL season, he was named the league’s top goalie and was 27-3-1 with a 2.08 GAA and .932 save percentage. He ended up taking Seattle to the Memorial Cup final. In that same season, he also won a gold medal for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship.
After two seasons split between Manitoba and the Jets’ ECHL affiliate, Norfolk, Milic stuck in the AHL this season. He has gone 5-2-2 in nine games and has a 2.14 GAA along with a .921 save percentage.
With Hellebuyck out four to six weeks, Milic will serve as the backup to Eric Comrie.