Connor Hellebuyck steps away from the Winnipeg Jets

However, to start the year, there has been a bit of uncertainty around Hellbuyck. If you have noticed, he has been missing from practices. Furthermore, the Jets have been keeping three goalies around almost as some sort of insurance policy. Well, now we know exactly what is going on.

According to Jets reporter Mike McIntyre, Hellebuyck has officially taken a brief leave of absence due to a family matter. However, Hellebuyck is expected to be back in time for the Jets' first game of the season which goes down against the Edmonton Oilers.

This situation has left a lot of Winnipeg Jets fans worried. However, it does seem like everything is going to be okay in the end, at least from a hockey perspective. As for Hellebuyck and his family, the team is currently respecting his privacy, and it is unknown the exact extent of his family emergency.

We wish Hellebuyck nothing but the best going forward. Family is always the most important thing. You never want to see a player get forced to prioritize a game over loved ones.

How do you feel about this news? Do you believe that Hellebuyck will be a Vezina candidate this season? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite players and teams.

Source: Mike McIntyre
Connor Hellebuyck is away from the team for personal family reasons