Jets' Hellebuyck Skips Game After Olympics Gold Medal

Winnipeg's star goaltender honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom after leading Team USA to hockey gold.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 3:42am

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Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets' star goaltender, will not play in Wednesday night's game against the Vancouver Canucks after leading Team USA to a gold medal at the recent Olympics. Hellebuyck made 41 saves in the gold medal game against Canada, only allowing one goal. He was then honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday night in Washington, D.C. The Jets have decided to give Hellebuyck some extra rest and he is expected to join the team in California for their game against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.

Why it matters

Hellebuyck's Olympic performance and subsequent Presidential Medal of Freedom recognition underscores his elite status as one of the NHL's top goaltenders. The Jets are wisely giving their star player some additional time to rest and recover before rejoining the team for the stretch run of the season, as they will need Hellebuyck at his best to make a deep playoff push.

The details

Hellebuyck made 41 saves in the gold medal game against Canada, only allowing one goal to lead Team USA to the Olympic title. He was then honored with the rare Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday night in Washington, D.C. The Jets have decided to hold Hellebuyck out of Wednesday's game against the Canucks, but he is expected to join the team in California for their game against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.

  • Hellebuyck led Team USA to the Olympic gold medal on February 24, 2026.
  • Hellebuyck received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on February 25, 2026.
  • Hellebuyck will not play for the Jets on February 26, 2026 against the Vancouver Canucks.
  • Hellebuyck is expected to rejoin the Jets on February 28, 2026 for their game against the Anaheim Ducks.

The players

Connor Hellebuyck

The star goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets who led Team USA to the Olympic gold medal in men's hockey.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who awarded Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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What’s next

Hellebuyck is expected to rejoin the Jets on February 28, 2026 for their game against the Anaheim Ducks.

The takeaway

Connor Hellebuyck's Olympic heroics and subsequent Presidential Medal of Freedom honor underscore his status as one of the NHL's elite goaltenders. The Jets are wisely giving their star player some additional rest before he rejoins the team for the stretch run, as they will need Hellebuyck at his best to make a deep playoff push.