Connor Hellebuyck's disciplinary suspension from the Winnipeg Jets will end on Friday, October 23, according to multiple sources reported by Sportsnet and corroborated by Illegal Curve, setting up a difficult decision for the franchise.
October 23 Suspension End Date and CBA Rules
The timeline shifted significantly when multiple sources indicated the end date for the goaltender’s suspension is Friday, October 23. At that point, Hellebuyck will be eligible to rejoin the team after an unauthorized absence from training camp.
Winnipeg exercised additional rights under the Collective Bargaining Agreement because the player stayed away without organizational permission. Specifically, Article 15.13, subsection (c)(v) dictates that returning players who lack permission to miss training camp face a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length.
Goalie keeps off active roster during early schedule
Before the Jets played their first game of the season on October 2, Hellebuyck informed the organization of his intention to end his absence and report. Despite this communication, the disciplinary suspension kept him off the active roster while the team managed the early weeks of the schedule.
Sources indicate that one distinct possibility upon the suspension’s expiration is that the Jets simply pay the goaltender to stay at home. Neither Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff nor agent Ray Petkau provided comment on the ongoing situation.
Winnipeg Jets apply CBA rule for disciplinary suspension
What specific CBA rule did the Winnipeg Jets use?
The team utilized Article 15.13, subsection (c)(v) of the CBA, which subjects players who return from unauthorized training camp absences to a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length.
When did Connor Hellebuyck notify the team he planned to report?
Hellebuyck informed the Jets of his intention to end his absence and report to the team before their first game of the season on October 2.
Did general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff comment on the suspension?
Neither Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff nor agent Ray Petkau provided comment on the reported October 23 end date.
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