Connor's scoring surge gives Jets hope without Hellebuyck
Kyle Connor has five points on three goals and two assists through Winnipeg's first two games, helping the Jets start 1-0-1 without Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck remains suspended after not reporting to training camp amid a public trade request. Daily Faceoff Live discussed how Connor's production and leadership have provided optimism in Winnipeg.
Winnipeg opened 2026-27 with an overtime defeat to Boston and a 3-2 victory over Detroit, moving to 1-0-1 while Connor Hellebuyck remains suspended. The goalie has not been traded and stayed away from training camp after his trade request became public.
Kyle Connor has paced the Jets with three goals and two assists, plus 14 shots across two outings. On Daily Faceoff Live, Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton said Connor’s play and leadership have lifted the mood. Hutton pointed to his Nashville years with Shea Weber, Mike Fisher and Pekka Rinne as examples of player-led culture.
The Jets’ early resilience without Hellebuyck may offer Winnipeg fans a morale boost during a tense standoff, while Connor’s production could shape how teammates and supporters view leadership amid uncertainty. If the team keeps winning, it may soften some frustration over the goalie’s absence; if not, pressure could return. Broader NHL audiences may see it as a case study in how clubs handle star trade requests.