Connor Hellebuyck will not start in goal for the New Jersey Devils against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night, after general manager Sunny Mehta announced an organizational decision to bench the goaltender.
Devils Bench Hellebuyck
The decision keeps Hellebuyck off the ice for his first game back in Winnipeg since his trade demand was granted on Oct. 23, when he waived his no-movement clause to join New Jersey, ESPN reported. Devils general manager Sunny Mehta said in a news release that playing the goaltender would potentially reduce the team’s expected win probability. Mehta added that Hellebuyck wanted to play the matchup.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe explained that the team planned for Hellebuyck to start both games in an upcoming home-and-home series against the Washington Capitals. Keefe pointed out that Hellebuyck missed all of training camp and nearly the entire first month of the season following a suspension by the Jets for failing to report after his trade request.
Jets Players Express Disappointment
Winnipeg players expected their former teammate to take the net. Winger Kyle Connor said he never considered it a possibility that Hellebuyck would sit out.
Jets captain Adam Lowry noted that the locker room looked forward to the competition against their former teammate of 11 seasons, a one-time NHL MVP and three-time Vezina Trophy winner. Lowry added that missing the matchup deprives the players of an emotional test, though fans will eventually get their chance to react.
We are pivoting from the game recap on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show to discuss the Devils decision to NOT PLAY Connor Hellebuyck in the game on Tuesday in Winnipeg. We want to hear from you:https://t.co/nBAxm6EWVf
“To be honest, I didn't even think that was a possibility,” winger Kyle Connor said.
Jets coach Scott Arniel criticized the analytics-based justification provided by New Jersey management. Arniel stated that he has seen many analytics in his life and remains unsure how the numbers apply to this decision. He argued that the move fails to provide closure for the franchise, its core players, and the fans.
Lingering Tension Ahead
The decision pushes the anticipated on-ice reunion to later in the month. The Jets travel to New Jersey to face the Devils on Saturday, Nov. 28, according to ESPN. Arniel expressed frustration that the ongoing drama will continue to generate headlines rather than reaching a definitive conclusion in Winnipeg.
Questions About Connor Hellebuyck's Trade and Performance
Why did Connor Hellebuyck miss the start of the NHL season?
The Winnipeg Jets suspended Hellebuyck after he failed to report to training camp following his trade request. He subsequently waived his no-movement clause on Oct. 23 to join the New Jersey Devils.
What are Connor Hellebuyck’s statistics since joining the New Jersey Devils?
Hellebuyck holds a 5-0-0 record with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage since his arrival in New Jersey, according to ESPN.
When do the Winnipeg Jets play the New Jersey Devils next?
The Winnipeg Jets visit New Jersey to play the Devils on Saturday, Nov. 28, as reported by ESPN.
ICYMI: The Devils made the surprising decision to keep Connor Hellebuyck out of Tuesday's game in Winnipeg. GM Sunny Mehta issued a statement explaining the decision, which has only added to the conversation surrounding 37's return. Read: https://t.co/tCg9954lzX
More on Connor Hellebuyck
"It's out of my hands." Connor Hellebuyck addresses the Devils' decision not to play him Tuesday in Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/jcvscg1xA9
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