Connor Hellebuyck takes a leave from the Jets for personal reasons

The Winnipeg Jets hit the ice today for their final practice before the start of the 2024-25 regular season, but noticeably absent from the rink was goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Fans and media speculated that maybe Hellebuyck was ill or injured, but Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press reported that Hellebuyck was not injured and that the team would issue a statement on his status.

Jets head coach Scott Arniel then announced after practice that Hellebuyck has taken a brief leave of absence from the team to deal with a personal family matter. He's expected to travel with the team to Edmonton tomorrow for the team's season opener, however.

Thoughts and prayers to the Hellebuyck family right now to help them get through what they're going through.