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“Hellebuyck getting closer,” head coach Scott Arniel said. “The workload is going up, so you’re probably going to see a lot more of that.”
Published Dec 10, 2025 • 2 minute read
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Winnipeg Jets’ Vladislav Namestnikov (7) defends against Seattle Kraken’s Matty Beniers (10) in front of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during first period NHL action in Winnipeg on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods /Winnipeg SunArticle content
After a one-goal loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, there was a pick-me-up moment for the Jets on Wednesday afternoon.
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Goalie Connor Hellebuyck joined his teammates on the ice at the team’s optional practice for the first time since he underwent knee surgery on Nov. 22.
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“He’s a massive part of this team,” Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey said. “Every player that’s gone through injury, it’s tough when you’re away from the team and away from the guys on your individual psyche. It’s just nice to have him back, looking great, and seemingly ahead of schedule is what he says. It is great news.”
Head coach Scott Arniel confirmed what most Jets fans are hoping for.
“He’s getting closer,” he said. “The workload is going up, so you’re probably going to see a lot more of that. It wasn’t quite a full practice where there’s real contact situations, him getting run into or anything like that, so that’s why he stayed (for) the duration.”
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The timeline for Hellebuyck’s return was four to six weeks after the Nov. 22 surgery.
The coach was asked if there was a change from the original proposed timeline. Perhaps a nugget of information that his netminder is a little ahead of schedule.
“I’m not a doctor. I don’t know,” Arniel said. “He’s feeling good. There are two things: What happens after a big day like today, and how he feels when he wakes up on Thursday morning. And then the other side is conditioning. Those are the two biggest things for him.”
Eric Comrie has primarily manned the fort in Hellebuyck’s absence. The Edmonton native is 2-6-1 since he was named the starter on Nov. 21. Overall, Comrie has a record of 6-7-1 with a 3.16 goals against average and .892 save percentage. Thomas Milic made one start and allowed four goals in a 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Nov. 28. Milic was loaned back to the Manitoba Moose earlier this week and Dom DiVincentiis was promoted to the parent club.
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Morrissey says the three-time Vezina Trophy winner was ready to go earlier this month. Alas, there are annoying impediments like doctors and medical clearances to pass before Hellebuyck gets into a game with pucks flying around and bodies going hard to the net.
“He probably would have played a week ago if it was up to him,” Morrissey said. “He’s been working hard to try to get back as fast as he can and in the best condition that he can.”
Cole Perfetti says the Hart Trophy winner was also missed for his spirit and talkative nature.
“We talk about his play a lot, and that speaks for itself, but his energy in the room, he is a talkative guy, always upbeat, no matter how high or low we are as a group or individuals,” Perfetti said. “It is great to have him back and great to be around him and great to see him back on the ice. When we get him back on the ice on a full-time basis, that is going to be a huge bump from our group.”
The Jets play host to the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.
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