The New Jersey Devils announced they will not start goaltender Connor Hellebuyck in Tuesday's game against the Winnipeg Jets, denying the three-time Vezina winner a dramatic homecoming. Hellebuyck, acquired on Oct. 23 for Dawson Mercer, Alexander Command, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, and two draft picks, has posted a 5-0-0 record with a 1.96 GAA and .913 save percentage since joining New Jersey.
GM Sunny Mehta explained the decision, saying playing Hellebuyck would "potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability." Hellebuyck expressed disappointment but understood the team-first rationale. Jets coach Scott Arniel questioned the analytics behind the move, noting it denies closure to a fractured relationship.
Despite Hellebuyck's absence, the Jets are favored at +125 (86% of money) with the Under 6.5 goals attracting action. FanDuel offers a same-game parlay: Winnipeg +1.5 and both teams to score 2+ goals at +101. The game streams on ESPN+ at 7 ET.
Source: CBS Sports NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing