Sunny Mehta Bench Decision
New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta opted to start goaltender Jake Allen instead of Connor Hellebuyck for the club’s visit to Winnipeg, citing a potential reduction in expected win probability.
The decision delays Hellebuyck’s return game to the Canada Life Centre. The goaltender requested a trade out of Winnipeg during the offseason and was later suspended by the Jets before being dealt to New Jersey on Oct. 23, 2026, in exchange for Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
A statement from Devils GM Sunny Mehta on our game Tuesday in Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/xrF8OBaHXe
Winnipeg Return Postponed
Hellebuyck said he was disappointed by the executive decision but understood the team’s perspective. “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,” Hellebuyck told reporters after shutting out the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 on Nov. 8, 2026.
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe pointed to conditioning concerns as a factor in the choice. “He’s not quite where he wants to be or where he should be from a conditioning standpoint. So, then, that’s another stressor,” Keefe said.
Expected Win Probability
Mehta released an organizational statement explaining that playing Hellebuyck in Winnipeg could negatively impact the team’s chances. “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,” Mehta said.
The 33-year-old goaltender has posted a 5-0-0 record with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage since joining the Devils. Hellebuyck plans to address the circumstances surrounding his trade request during a press conference in Winnipeg.
Winnipeg Media Availability
Hellebuyck declined to discuss the specifics of his departure from the Jets prior to Tuesday’s scheduled media session.
Hellebuyck previously issued a letter to Jets fans stating that personal family circumstances contributed to his trade request. Other American stars, including Brady Tkachuk in Ottawa and Quinn Hughes in Vancouver, have faced hostile receptions upon returning to their former Canadian markets.
Hellebuyck Leads the Franchise in Wins and Trophies
Selected by the franchise in the fifth round, or 130th overall, of the 2012 NHL Draft, Hellebuyck established himself as the team’s all-time leader in wins with a 345-208-55 record. During his tenure, he earned the Vezina Trophy as the best goaltender in the NHL three times across the 2019-20, 2023-24, and 2024-25 seasons, alongside capturing the Hart Trophy as the League’s most valuable player once in the 2024-25 campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Connor Hellebuyck request a trade from the Jets?
Hellebuyck stated in a letter to fans that very challenging personal family circumstances made a change necessary, though he has not publicly detailed the exact reasons.
What did the Jets receive in the trade with New Jersey?
Winnipeg acquired forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, the rights to forward Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.
How has Hellebuyck performed since joining the Devils?
Hellebuyck has compiled a perfect 5-0-0 record with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage through his first five appearances with New Jersey.
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