NHL: Hellebuyck to sit as Devils prioritize win probability in Winnipeg return
New Jersey GM Sunny Mehta says playing the goaltender against his former club could lower the team's expected wins, despite Hellebuyck's desire to face the Jets.
By Andrew Bennett ·
Connor Hellebuyck will not start goal for the New Jersey Devils in Tuesday's game against the Winnipeg Jets. The Devils announced the decision on Sunday, shortly after their 4-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Hellebuyck recorded 23 saves for a shutout. This marks the first time the 33-year-old goaltender will return to the Canada Life Centre since requesting a trade from Winnipeg.
General Manager Sunny Mehta stated the choice was an organizational decision debated at length. While Hellebuyck felt a duty to play, Mehta said the team estimated that putting him in net would potentially reduce their expected win probability. Head coach Sheldon Keefe noted there was little discussion regarding Hellebuyck's availability given the team's busy schedule and the fact that Hellebuyck missed training camp and has only played five games since joining New Jersey.
The Jets traded Hellebuyck to the Devils on October 23. In return, Winnipeg received forward Dawson Mercer, goaltender Nico Daws, and a second-round pick in the 2029 NHL draft. At the time of the trade, Hellebuyck had five seasons remaining on a seven-year contract extension worth US$59.1 million, which he signed in October 2023.
Hellebuyck has performed well for New Jersey since the move. He holds a 5-0-0 record with a .913 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average. The Devils have won nine of their last 10 games. In the visitors locker room at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday night, Hellebuyck expressed disappointment about sitting out but said he 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 said. He declined to explain why he turned his back on the Jets in the locker room but indicated he would share his reasons during a media availability before Tuesday's game.
Hellebuyck, who won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2024-25, said he loves Winnipeg and finds the situation out of his hands. He acknowledged a sour taste in the city but said he would choose to remember the cherished moments and community relationships from his time there. "I'm going to choose love," he said.
Before joining the Devils, Hellebuyck played 11 seasons for the Jets. He finished that run with a 349-208-55 record, a .916 save percentage, a 2.58 goals-against average, and 45 shutouts. His playoff record was 24 wins, 34 losses, a .903 save percentage, a 2.90 goals-against average, and seven shutouts. He helped Winnipeg reach the Western Conference final in 2018.
Hellebuyck also made 41 saves to help the United States defeat Canada 2-1 in overtime in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic men's hockey final. He described leaving Winnipeg as an extremely complex decision and said he had nothing but respect for the organization and his former teammates. "We'll talk about it Tuesday," he said.
The Devils play the Jets at the Canada Life Centre on Tuesday. Hellebuyck is scheduled to hold a media availability before the game to discuss his decision to request a trade and his return to Winnipeg.
