Hellebuyck activated off IR, returns vs. Capitals

The Winnipeg Jets activated goaltender Connor Hellebuyck off injured reserve, the team announced Saturday.

Hellebuyck was expected to miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing a minor arthroscopic knee procedure. He last played Nov. 15 against the Calgary Flames and will start Saturday versus the Washington Capitals.

The Jets have gone a dismal 3-8-1 without Hellebuyck and are tied for the NHL's worst record since he was placed on injured reserve. Winnipeg has fallen to seventh in the Central and trails the Minnesota Wild by 12 points for third in the division.

Hellebuyck is 8-6-0 this season and owns a .913 save percentage. He won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender last season. He's led all goalies in games played five of the last eight campaigns.

Eric Comrie has started 11 of the Jets' 12 games in Hellebuyck's absence. He has an .877 SV% in that span.