Devils sit Hellebuyck for return to Winnipeg

The New Jersey Devils will not start goaltender Connor Hellebuyck in their game against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night. This marks the first time Hellebuyck has faced his former teammates since demanding a trade.

The team announced the decision after Hellebuyck stopped 23 shots in a 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. General Manager Sunny Mehta said the organization debated the move at length. Mehta noted that while Hellebuyck felt a duty to play, the Devils believed resting him would improve their chances of winning.

"This has been an organizational decision for us that we’ve debated at length," Mehta said. "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."

The Jets traded Hellebuyck to New Jersey on October 23. Winnipeg received forward Dawson Mercer, goaltender Nico Daws, and a second-round pick in the 2029 NHL draft in return. The move ended Hellebuyck's tenure in Manitoba. He had five years left on a seven-year contract worth $59.1 million when he requested the trade in October 2023.

Hellebuyck expressed disappointment about sitting out the game on Sunday. He said he understood the team's logic. "Selfishly, I want to play, but when you’re looking at the team and what’s best for the team, I understand where they’re coming from," he said.

The goaltender still plans to meet with the Winnipeg media before the game. He said he loves the city and is ready to face the reaction from fans. "I know there’s a pretty sour taste in Winnipeg," Hellebuyck said. "But I can only speak to my memories and my cherished moments in the city. I’ve loved every part of my career there. However, I’m perceived, I’m going to choose love."

The game is scheduled for Tuesday night at Canada Life Centre.