Connor Hellebuyck Benched in Winnipeg Return
Connor Hellebuyck watched from the bench as the New Jersey Devils lost 4-2 to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday at the Canada Life Center, after New Jersey general manager Sunny Metha decided to stop the star goaltender from playing against his former team, Aftonbladet reported. The decision ended weeks of anticipation surrounding Hellebuyck’s first appearance in Winnipeg since a contentious departure following eleven seasons with the franchise, SVT Nyheter reported.
Winnipeg ultimately claimed the 4-2 victory, leaving Hellebuyck to serve as backup to Jake Allen, according to SVT Nyheter. Med Hellebuyck i kassen hade New Jersey fem raka segrar.
Henrik Lundqvist Criticizes General Manager’s Decision
New York Rangers icon Henrik Lundqvist voiced sharp disagreement with the benching during an appearance on TNT’s expert panel, arguing that the veteran goaltender had earned the right to make his own choice, Aftonbladet reported.
“Om det varit jag och jag verkligen velat spela hade vi inte lämnat rummet förrän general managern sagt ”Du spelar”,” said Henrik Lundqvist, former New York Rangers goaltender and TNT expert panelist.
Targeted Threats Force Difficult Family Decisions
Hellebuyck opened up about the toxic environment surrounding his departure during a post-game press conference, pointing to severe offline harassment directed at his family, Expressen reported. The 33-year-old goaltender requested a trade over the summer, leading Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel to criticize him publicly for giving up on the club.
“Det var mer än bara dödshot på nätet,” said Connor Hellebuyck, New Jersey Devils goaltender.
Winnipeg previously suspended and fined Hellebuyck during the contract standoff.
Navigating a Complicated Canadian Reception
Hellebuyck acknowledged the heavy emotional toll of returning to the city where he won three Vezina Trophies and established himself as one of the league’s elite players.
“Ur ett känslomässigt perspektiv gör det uppenbarligen ont. Men jag förstår att det finns mycket känslor just nu,” said Hellebuyck.
He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump earlier in the year, a distinction that drew mixed reactions in Canada. Hellebuyck said that balancing his American identity while playing north of the border presents unique challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Winnipeg Return
Why did Connor Hellebuyck not play against Winnipeg?
New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Metha decided to bench Hellebuyck to protect him from a hostile environment in his first game back in Winnipeg since his contentious departure, Aftonbladet reported.
How long did Connor Hellebuyck play for the Winnipeg Jets?
Hellebuyck spent eleven seasons with Winnipeg, winning three Vezina Trophies as the league’s best goaltender before demanding a trade during the offseason, SVT Nyheter and Expressen reported.
What specific issues prompted Hellebuyck to demand a trade?
Hellebuyck cited severe online and offline threats directed at his family members that went far beyond normal hockey criticism, according to Expressen.
Who started in goal for New Jersey in place of Hellebuyck?
Jake Allen started in goal for the New Jersey Devils, while Hellebuyck served as the backup during the 4-2 defeat at the Canada Life Center, SVT Nyheter reported.