Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry isn't ready to welcome back goaltender Connor Hellebuyck with open arms should he return from his team suspension next week.
"If he does show up, conversations are going to have to happen," Lowry said Saturday after the Jets' 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, according to the Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre.
The Jets suspended Hellebuyck in September after he didn't report to training camp amid a trade request. He reportedly informed Winnipeg that he intended to rejoin the team before the Jets' opener Oct. 2 but was subject to further discipline. Hellebuyck will be eligible to return to the team when his suspension ends Friday, though his plans - and his future in Winnipeg - remain unclear.
Lowry has been teammates with Hellebuyck in Winnipeg since the 2015-16 season.
Lowry was named Jets captain in 2023. The 33-year-old has one goal and four points in eight games this season. He tallied five goals and 21 points in 70 contests last year.
Hellebuyck, who has played his entire NHL career with the Jets, went public with his trade request in August. He's under contract through the 2030-31 season at an $8.5-million cap hit.
The 33-year-old won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2025 and is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the league's best goaltender. Hellebuyck won Olympic gold with Team USA in February.
