Devils to keep Connor Hellebuyck out Tuesday in first game back at Winnipeg

The Story

The New Jersey Devils announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will not suit up Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets, marking his first game back at Canada Life Centre since requesting a trade and being dealt away from Winnipeg.

The decision was made shortly after New Jersey’s 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, a game in which Hellebuyck made 23 saves for the shutout.

Devils general manager Sunny Mehta said the team debated the matter at length and that Hellebuyck wanted to play, but that playing in the game could reduce New Jersey’s expected win probability. Mehta said Hellebuyck “was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg,” adding that the Devils ultimately chose not to.

Hellebuyck, 33, said he understands the organization’s reasoning even though he felt a desire to compete against his former team. He said: “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.”

Asked about why he did not answer questions about the trade earlier, Hellebuyck said he would share his reasons at a media availability before Tuesday’s game. He also said he “love[s] Winnipeg” and described the matchup as something he understands is “out of my hands.”

The Jets acquired Hellebuyck from New Jersey as part of a deal on Oct. 23 that included forward Dawson Mercer, goaltender Nico Daws and a second-round pick at the 2029 NHL draft, ending his decorated run with the club.

Before the Tuesday game, New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe said there was not much discussion about whether Hellebuyck would play, citing the busy schedule, that Hellebuyck missed training camp, and that he had played five times since joining the Devils. Keefe said: “We had to make it clear to Connor why and give him some understanding (because) in his words, he really felt it was his duty to go and play.”

Hellebuyck previously spent 11 seasons with Winnipeg after being selected 130th overall in 2012. With the Jets, he posted a 349-208-55 record with a .916 save percentage, 2.58 goals-against average and 45 shutouts, and helped Winnipeg reach the Western Conference final in 2018.