Connor Hellebuyck will not start when the New Jersey Devils face the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, defying expectations for his return to the city where he spent the bulk of his NHL career. The decision came from the Devils’ management, who cited concerns over the goalie’s workload rather than any issues with Hellebuyck himself.
The former Hart Trophy winner requested a trade from Winnipeg earlier this year and sat out the start of the season until New Jersey acquired him in October. Many anticipated Hellebuyck would be in net for his first game back in Winnipeg as a member of the Devils. Instead, he will watch from the bench or possibly stay away from the bench entirely, as noted by Winnipeg Free Press journalist Mike McIntyre.
New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta said the choice was made after extensive internal discussion. “This has been an organizational decision for us that we’ve debated at length,” Mehta said in a statement on Sunday. He added that Hellebuyck was “adamant” about playing but the team concluded that starting him would likely reduce their chances of winning the game.
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe explained the decision by pointing to Hellebuyck’s recent heavy workload. “This is a goaltender that is not going to play every single game of the season. You’re always looking for times to give him a night off,” Keefe said. The game in Winnipeg would have been Hellebuyck’s fourth start in eight days, a demanding pace for any NHL goalie.
Hellebuyck expressed his disappointment about not starting when he spoke to reporters Sunday night. “It’s out of my hands,” he said. He is scheduled to address Winnipeg journalists on Tuesday morning before the game.
The timing of the decision adds a layer of awkwardness, given the stormy circumstances surrounding Hellebuyck’s departure from the Jets. His trade demand and subsequent holdout fueled significant attention and debate among fans and media alike. Tuesday’s game was seen as a moment for Hellebuyck to face the Winnipeg crowd as an opponent.
The Devils and their goaltender are clearly taking a cautious approach. Managing Hellebuyck’s minutes carefully appears to be a priority as New Jersey integrates him into their lineup. The team’s reluctance to risk his performance or health signals that they are planning for the long haul rather than a short-term spectacle.
How fans in Winnipeg respond without Hellebuyck on the ice remains to be seen. The Jets’ home arena will no doubt be filled with anticipation and strong emotions when the Devils arrive. However, supporters hoping to direct their frustration or cheers at the goalie will have to wait for a future meeting or hope he gets some ice time later in the game.
The Devils have not revealed who will start in goal against Winnipeg, only confirming that it will not be Hellebuyck. The decision closes another chapter in a saga that has drawn attention across the NHL this season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
