Jets could invoke newfound CBA clause to punish Connor Hellebuyck even more

The ongoing standoff between the Winnipeg Jets and superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck could be about to get even uglier, and a little-known provision in the NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement could give the Jets a powerful weapon if their franchise goaltender decides he wants to return to the team.

There have been rumors that Hellebuyck is considering a return to Winnipeg, potentially bringing an end to a situation that has become an enormous distraction for the organization. However, even if the reigning superstar decides to come back, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll receive a warm welcome from his teammates or that the Jets will simply pretend this entire ordeal never happened.

In fact, Winnipeg could have contractual grounds to make Hellebuyck pay for his decision to stay away.

According to Article 15.13(c)(ii) and (v) of the NHL's CBA, the Jets could potentially invoke provisions relating to a player's failure to report and his readiness to play. Depending on how the provisions apply to Hellebuyck's circumstances, Winnipeg could delay paying him until the organization determines he is fit and ready to return to action, while also pursuing a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length for missing training camp.

That could put Hellebuyck in a remarkably uncomfortable position.

The obvious assumption might be that a player of Hellebuyck's stature can simply decide to return whenever he wants, rejoin the dressing room and get back to business as usual. But the Jets may have other ideas, particularly if management believes his absence has damaged the team's preparations or undermined its authority.

And there's another factor that shouldn't be overlooked: his teammates.

Hellebuyck is one of the NHL's elite goaltenders, a former Vezina Trophy winner and a player who has been instrumental to Winnipeg's success. His importance to the franchise is undeniable. But even the most talented player can create resentment if his decisions leave everyone else dealing with the consequences.

Would the Jets' players welcome him back with open arms? Or would they view his return as an attempt to have things both ways after leaving the organization in an extremely difficult situation?

Those are questions Winnipeg may have to answer before the team can move forward.

The important distinction is that the CBA provisions would not necessarily allow Winnipeg to suspend Hellebuyck indefinitely simply because management is unhappy with him. Article 15.13(c)(ii) addresses withholding salary until a player is deemed fit and ready to play, while Article 15.13(c)(v) provides for a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length when a player returns after missing training camp without permission. The precise application would depend on the circumstances and any relevant contractual or labor dispute.

Nevertheless, the potential consequences are significant. Hellebuyck could find himself facing financial penalties and a suspension even if he ultimately decides that Winnipeg is where he wants to play after all.

For the Jets, this is about more than simply getting their best goaltender back between the pipes. It's also about protecting the organization from a situation in which a star player can dictate the terms of his departure and then expect everything to return to normal if a trade fails to materialize.

Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has already demonstrated that he isn't prepared to rush into a deal simply to resolve the controversy.

If Hellebuyck does come back, the organization could have to decide whether restoring the relationship is worth more than enforcing the rules.

And Hellebuyck would have his own decisions to make.

He's an elite goaltender whose value to a contending team is difficult to overstate. But his reputation, his relationship with his teammates and his standing within the Winnipeg organization could all be affected by how this situation ends.

The bottom line? Hellebuyck might be able to reconsider his trade request, but that doesn't guarantee the Jets will welcome him back without consequences. If the CBA provisions apply as outlined, Winnipeg could have legitimate options to withhold salary and impose a reasonable disciplinary suspension.

A return to Winnipeg may still be possible. A return to business as usual, however, could be a very different story.