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Jets' Hellebuyck to Return After Olympic Gold Medal Performance
Goaltender expected to rejoin team in California after receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom
Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:28pm
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Connor Hellebuyck, the star goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets, is set to return to the NHL after leading the United States to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Hellebuyck made 41 saves on 42 shots in the gold medal game, cementing his status as one of the league's elite netminders. However, his return to the Jets will be delayed slightly as he was in Washington, D.C. to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.
Why it matters
The Jets are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive in the tight Western Conference race, and they will need Hellebuyck at his best down the stretch. His Olympic performance showed he is in top form, but the team will have to manage his schedule and travel as he rejoins the squad.
The details
Hellebuyck is expected to meet the Jets in California, where they play the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. In his absence, Eric Comrie will start in goal for the Jets on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. The Jets should still be favored to win that game, as the Canucks are in rebuilding mode and expected to trade away more top players before the NHL trade deadline.
- Hellebuyck led the U.S. to Olympic gold on February 19, 2026.
- Hellebuyck received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Washington, D.C. on February 24, 2026.
- Hellebuyck is expected to rejoin the Jets in California on February 25, 2026, in time for their game against the Anaheim Ducks on February 26, 2026.
The players
Connor Hellebuyck
The star goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets who led the United States to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Eric Comrie
The Jets' backup goaltender who is expected to start in Hellebuyck's absence on February 25, 2026 against the Vancouver Canucks.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States who awarded Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
What they’re saying
“Hellebuyck was in top form in the gold medal game for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.”
— Billy Heyen, Author
What’s next
Hellebuyck is expected to rejoin the Jets in California on February 25, 2026 and play in their game against the Anaheim Ducks on February 26, 2026.
The takeaway
Hellebuyck's Olympic gold medal performance has the Jets and their fans excited for his return, as the team fights to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, the team will need to manage his schedule and travel as he rejoins the squad after receiving a prestigious honor from the President.
