The Winnipeg Jets are disappointed they won't get closure on Connor Hellebuyck's departure as he won't be starting for the New Jersey Devils when they play in Winnipeg on Tuesday. Hellebuyck, who waived his no-movement clause to join the Devils on Oct. 23, was expected to face his former team for the first time since his trade demand. However, after his 4-0 shutout win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, Devils general manager Sunny Mehta announced an 'organizational decision' that Hellebuyck would not start Tuesday night, citing a potential reduction in expected win probability.
Hellebuyck, a one-time NHL MVP and three-time Vezina Trophy winner, was suspended by the Jets after failing to report to training camp following his trade request. He played 11 seasons in Winnipeg. Jets coach Scott Arniel expressed his disappointment in the decision, saying it would have provided closure.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said the plan was for Hellebuyck to play both games in a home-and-home series against the division rival Washington Capitals after the Winnipeg game, while citing the fact that Hellebuyck missed all of training camp and nearly the first month of the season. Even with that explanation, Jets players were stunned Hellebuyck wasn't getting the net against them. Winger Kyle Connor, who won a gold medal with Hellebuyck on Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, said he thought Hellebuyck was playing for sure.
Jets captain Adam Lowry, a longtime teammate of Hellebuyck's, said there was disappointment among Winnipeg players about the decision, as the Devils are expected to start Jake Allen on Tuesday. Lowry said he would have loved to play against Hellebuyck, and that the atmosphere would have been great. While the fans are still expected to bring the venom for Hellebuyck despite him not playing, Lowry said the players aren't lamenting that lack of catharsis.
But Arniel wasn't happy that the Hellebuyck drama will stretch beyond Tuesday night, saying it goes back to the ownership, fans, and core players that Hellebuyck left on. The Jets visit New Jersey on Saturday, Nov. 28. Hellebuyck is 5-0-0 since joining the Devils, with a 1.96 goals-against average.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing