'A little overkill': Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck not keen on NHL's schedule pause

Connor Hellebuyck isn't a fan of the NHL's latest move to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The league pushed up the start of its traditional holiday schedule pause by 48 hours because of coronavirus concerns and full-on outbreaks fuelled by the Omicron variant that have led to 45 games being postponed since Dec. 13.

The Winnipeg Jets goalie, however, doesn't agree with a decision that will see players off starting Wednesday before returning to work Sunday.

"I can't speak for everyone, but the feeling for myself … it's a little overkill," Hellebuyck told reporters in Winnipeg on Tuesday. "You see leagues like the NFL, who are adapting and, I think, doing things right."

More than a third of the NHL had either been shut down or voluntarily closed team facilities through the holidays before the league announced Wednesday's schedule would be added to the list of contests that need new dates.

As it stands, roughly 15 per cent of players — all but one NHLer is vaccinated — are in the league's COVID-19 protocol.

"It sucks, but it's Christmas time, so we're enjoying the break," said Hellebuyck, who contracted COVID-19 last summer before getting vaccinated. "Use this time as a little mental reset.

"See family, enjoy the holidays, and enjoy what we have."

The league, which paused cross-border travel until after the break, had two remaining games scheduled Tuesday before going dark until Boxing Day, but the NHL announced Washington's matchup in Philadelphia against the Flyers was off because of COVID-19 concerns with the Capitals.

The holiday break was originally slated to begin Friday.

The schedule is set to resume Monday with 14 contests, although more postponements seem likely with a number of clubs dealing with multiple COVID-19 cases.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, who are scheduled to play in Columbus against the Blue Jackets on Monday, announced forwards David Kampf and Ilya Mikheyev, defenceman Rasmus Sandin and netminder Petr Mrazek have been placed in protocol.

The Leafs now have a total of 11 players — including captain John Tavares and goaltender Jack Campbell — in protocol along with head coach Sheldon Keefe, two assistants, and three other members of the organization.

The Buffalo Sabres, meanwhile, cancelled practice Tuesday before placing Jeff Skinner and Zemgus Girgensons in protocol, where they joined fellow forward Vinnie Hinostroza.

Back in Winnipeg, Hellebuyck was also asked about NHLers going to the Olympics, which is now almost certainly off due to the pandemic's disruption to the league's schedule with an even 50 games postponed or rescheduled.

The 28-year-old was expected to play a key role for the United States, but will now have to hope for another chance in 2026.

"I'll be 32," he said. "I know I'll still be playing my best hockey, but we'll see if it's the same story.

"It was going to be an awesome opportunity to play, but I guess that's just what we have to deal with."