Jets reportedly considering signing former goalie to help cover Connor Hellebuyck's absence
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
The Jets are hurting without Connor Hellebuyck in their crease, and now the team may reportedly be considering reuniting with former goalie Chris Driedger.
The Winnipeg Jets are facing a critical crease situation, and there could be some relief in the form of a reunion with native Winnipeger and former Jet Chris Driedger.
The veteran goaltender parted ways with the Traktor Chelyabinsk organization in the KHL on Sunday, making way for a quick return to North America.
The 31-year-old Driedger was acquired by the Jets at the trade deadline in 2025 to bring depth to the team beyond Connor Hellebuyck and Eric Comrie.
Though he didn't play in an NHL contest with the Jets, he has made five appearances in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose before joining an organization overseas in the offseason.
What a short-term contract for Chris Driedger could provide the Jets
A brief and unconditional contract, even just a one-year deal, could provide a proven goaltender when the depth that the Jets have normally had in the net is now thin.
NHL analyst Trevor Connors revealed that Jets insider Ken Wiebe stated the team was about to sign Driedger; however, those rumors were squashed by Wiebe, who revealed it doesn't appear that will be happening, at least in the immediate short-term.
The need exists. Hellebuyck, the reigning back-to-back Vezina and Hart trophy winner, will sit out four to six weeks because of surgery on his knee. The team has thrust Comrie into the role, and he would be a stretch to fill the role.
Why Eric Comrie doesn't appear to he the man for the job right now
He had issues in Buffalo in the past and has gotten the job done in relief in Winnipeg, but has not proven he has the ability to win some games for the team as a true starter.
Behind him, 22-year-old prospect Thomas Milic has been forced up due to necessity rather than readiness.
He has some upside in the early part of the season with the Moose, but he suffered through a tough season in the AHL in 2024-25. He has some work to do before he is ready for regular NHL action.
A reunion with Driedger would not solve all their problems, but they sure could use some stability in a fragile situation during a critical portion of the season.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 26 | 149 ANSWERS Jets reportedly considering signing former goalie to help cover Connor Hellebuyck's absence Should the Jets sign Chris Driedger? | ||
| Yes | 92 | 61.7 % |
| No | 57 | 38.3 % |
| List of polls | ||