Devils Rest Hellebuyck in Winnipeg, Sparking Fan Backlash

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Connor Hellebuyck, goalie for the New Jersey Devils, was not scheduled to play against the Winnipeg Jets.

Defector - Sunny Mehta was described as the Devils’ new front-office leader; Jake Allen was identified as the expected starting goalie against Winnipeg.

ESPN - Devils general manager Sunny Mehta announced Hellebuyck would not start; Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said the plan was for Hellebuyck to play both games of the home-and-home series against the Washington Capitals after the Winnipeg game.

ESPN - Jets coach Scott Arniel criticized the decision and its rationale. Jets winger Kyle Connor and captain Adam Lowry said Winnipeg players had hoped or expected Hellebuyck to play.

ESPN - Hellebuyck is a one-time NHL MVP and three-time Vezina Trophy winner. He played 11 seasons in Winnipeg and won a 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal with Kyle Connor on Team USA.

WHAT:

Sportskeeda - Hellebuyck was set to miss the Devils’ game against the Jets.

Defector - Mehta’s statement said playing Hellebuyck “would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability.” Hellebuyck said, “I’m disappointed, but I understand. Selfishly I want to play.”

ESPN - Mehta called the decision an “organizational decision” and said Hellebuyck would meet the media in Winnipeg. The Devils were expected to start Allen.

ESPN - Arniel said the decision did not provide closure for Winnipeg. Lowry said the atmosphere would have been emotional and fun, while noting fans could still express their displeasure.

Defector - Hellebuyck had a 5-0-0 record with the Devils, allowing fewer than two goals per game. ESPN reported a 1.96 goals-against average and .913 save percentage.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - The game was in Winnipeg, where the Devils were visiting the Jets.

ESPN - Hellebuyck joined the Devils after leaving Winnipeg; the Jets were scheduled to visit New Jersey on November 28.

WHEN:

ESPN - The Jets said Hellebuyck’s trade request was granted October 23; he waived his no-movement clause to join New Jersey.

ESPN - Hellebuyck missed training camp and nearly the first month of the season after not reporting to Jets training camp; the Jets suspended him.

Defector - Hellebuyck had played five games after his holdout. He played Thursday, sat Saturday, and played Sunday, recording a shutout against Toronto.

WHY:

ESPN - Mehta said the Devils believed starting Hellebuyck could reduce their expected win probability. Keefe cited Hellebuyck’s missed training camp and time at the start of the season.

ESPN - Winnipeg wanted the game to provide closure after Hellebuyck’s departure; Arniel said the decision would prolong discussion of the situation.

HOW:

ESPN - Hellebuyck’s trade request was granted after he waived his no-movement clause, and he joined the Devils.

New Jersey rested goalie Connor Hellebuyck against Winnipeg, expecting Jake Allen to start instead. General manager Sunny Mehta said playing Hellebuyck could reduce the Devils’ chance of winning. Winnipeg’s coach criticized the decision, while players said they had expected Hellebuyck to play.