New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will not start Tuesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets, citing a potential reduction in expected win probability.
The decision keeps Hellebuyck on the bench for his first visit to Winnipeg since his contentious departure from the franchise. Selected by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Hellebuyck holds the franchise record with 345 wins and secured three Vezina Trophies alongside the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player during the 2024-25 season.
However, after requesting a trade during the offseason despite having five seasons remaining on a seven-year, $59.5 million contract carrying an $8.5 million average annual value, Hellebuyck was suspended for failing to report to training camp before being traded to New Jersey in October.
A statement from Devils GM Sunny Mehta on our game Tuesday in Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/xrF8OBaHXe
The trade saw New Jersey send forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, center prospect Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Jets. Hellebuyck had spent 11 seasons in a Jets uniform before demanding a trade, and the 33-year-old nearly reached the Stanley Cup Final with Winnipeg in 2017-18.
Mehta defended the benching in an official team statement, noting that the organization debated the matter extensively.
“Right away, he very boldly said: ‘I feel it's my duty to play in this game.’ ” Connor Hellebuyck says he wants to face the music in Winnipeg. But the Devils looked at workload and conditioning and "win probability" and stressors and are denying a moment: https://t.co/lV2ckpcW0N pic.twitter.com/EAvhSX8UE9
Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg. However, in our estimation, playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability.
Sunny Mehta, New Jersey Devils general manager
Winnipeg head coach Scott Arniel expressed frustration over the choice.
I’ve seen a lot of analytics in my life. And since it’s really come into the forefront, I’m not sure how this works into the analytics part of it.
Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets head coach
Arniel told reporters on Monday that he was disappointed by the move because it extends a difficult chapter for the organization, according to CBC.
Hellebuyck recorded a 23-save shutout in a 4-0 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, bringing his record with the Devils to 5-0-0 with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.
Speaking to reporters after the shutout in Toronto, the 33-year-old goaltender addressed his upcoming return to Canada Life Centre.
Hellebuyck not starting @ Winnipeg a ‘disappointment,’ Scott Arniel says. "This has been throughout the summer, it’s been through our training camp, it’s been all the way thru the trade & now it’s continued on. I was just kind of hoping it would be done.”https://t.co/BdHEMggtax
I love Winnipeg and, you know, playing there again and just facing the music and seeing the reaction, it’d be nice, but it’s out of my hands. I know there’s a pretty sour taste in Winnipeg. I’ve heard that.
Connor Hellebuyck, New Jersey Devils goaltender
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe noted that the goalie has a heavy workload and missed training camp, according to CBC. Jake Allen is expected to start in goal for New Jersey against the Jets, while Hellebuyck will address the media following the team’s morning skate at Canada Life Centre.
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