A shocking development out of Winnipeg might just be the good news the Colorado Avalanche have been looking to get in their reported pursuit of netminder Connor Hellebuyck.
The Jets announced on Wednesday night that the 33-year-old goalie would be suspended for failing to report to training camp.
The Winnipeg Jets announce Connor Hellebuyck is suspended for not reporting to camp
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 17, 2026
GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will meet with the media tomorrow morning.
Hellebuyck had informed the team he would not be in attendance; had until this afternoon to report on-time
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is expected to address the media on Thursday to shed more light on the situation.
Now, this is a highly interesting development as it could open the door for an absolute nuclear blast of an option: A Connor Hellebuyck contract termination.
Yes, that’s right.
Now, we’re not saying that’s going to happen. But failing to report to camp is technically grounds for contract termination. And if the Jets really wanted to put the screws to Hellebuyck, they could at least dangle that possibility in front of him.
Let’s be clear about something here: A contract termination would absolutely benefit the Avalanche. Joe Sakic wouldn’t have to trade anyone for Hellebuyck. If anything, Sakic would just have to find a way to clear enough cap space to fit his new contract under the cap.
But knowing Sakic, and based on the rumors we’ve heard throughout the summer, why wouldn’t Hellebuyck sign a one-year deal for something like $5 million, or whatever number facilitated the signing, just so he could get a chance to play for the Avalanche?
That’s something worth keeping an eye on.
Contract termination unlikely, but suspension increases chances of deal happening
To be fair, a contract termination would actually favor Connor Hellebuyck. That’s something that he would welcome, as it would give him an easy way out of his current situation.
That said, the suspension, if anything, would increase the chances of a deal happening. Since the standoff in Winnipeg has now escalated, the club could just as well push for a deal to happen sooner rather than later.
Bear this in mind: The suspension means that the Jets can withhold payment due to the breach of contract.
That’s another pressure point that the Jets can use to get Hellebuyck to be a little more flexible with his options.
That said, this might be the perfect time for Sakic to ride in and make an offer. The Jets are clearly reeling, and only doing what any team with a backbone would do. Suspending Hellebuyck sends a positive message to the team.
But it also puts the organization in a tough spot.
The situation is no bueno for the Jets, but it’s good news for Colorado, of course, assuming that the rumors are true.
Let’s see if the chains will move in the coming days or weeks. All sides have a vested interest in resolving this situation as quickly as they can.
That’s where the Avalanche may be able to land the NHL’s best goalie at a discounted rate.
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