The absolute worst news possible just dropped heading into the weekend: Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is being shut down for four to six weeks as he undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery, per Darren Dreger.

Dreger added that the reigning MVP has been dealing with this issue for a while and feels it’s best to address the problem sooner rather than later.

This is brutal for the Jets. Hellebuyck, 32, has been the backbone of the franchise for years and has never missed a stretch of time like this. Now, the pressure shifts to Eric Comrie. He’s been very solid in a backup role this season, but the big question is how he’ll transition into as a temporary starter.

The Jets also announced that they’ve recalled goaltender Thomas Milic from the Manitoba Moose. He’ll serve as Eric Comrie’s backup during Hellebuyck’s absence. Milic has played nine games with the Moose this season, posting a 5-2-2 record along with an impressive .921 save percentage. He’s also coming off a strong performance last night, making 28 saves in a 2-1 win over the Chicago Wolves.

The Michigan native, who won both the Hart and Vezina Trophies last season while leading the Jets to the Presidents’ Trophy, was off to a strong start this year with an 8-6-0 record, a .913 save percentage, and a 2.51 goals-against average.

Hellebuyck is also a leading candidate to start for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics after helping his country reach the 4 Nations Face-Off final in February.

The Jets take on the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at Canada Life Centre, with Comrie expected to start in goal as Nikolaj Ehlers returns to Winnipeg for the first time in different colours. It’s going to be a tough stretch of hockey, and the Jets will need to band together to get through it.