Connor Hellebuyck will not play against his former team, the Winnipeg Jets, this Tuesday despite his wish to do so, New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta confirmed Sunday. The decision came after lengthy discussion within the Devils’ organization, with Mehta saying the choice was made to protect the team’s chances of winning.
“Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg,” Mehta said. “However, in our estimation, playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability.” The Devils plan to hold a media session with Hellebuyck at his request following their morning skate on Tuesday.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe explained the move as part of a load management strategy. Hellebuyck has started three games already this week, including a 4-0 shutout win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. “From our perspective, when you zoom out, 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 told reporters.
Hellebuyck spoke to the media after Sunday’s win about his frustration at being sidelined. “I’m disappointed, but I understand. Selfishly, I wanna play, but when you’re looking at the team and what’s best for the team, I understand where they’re coming from,” he said. “I love Winnipeg and playing there again, and just facing the music and seeing the reaction, it’d be nice. But it’s out of my hands.”
The goaltender promised to discuss his reasons for wanting to leave Winnipeg during his media availability on Tuesday. He acknowledged that his departure had left “a pretty sour taste” in Winnipeg but said, “It’s an extremely complex decision, and no one’s really nailed it on the head, ’cause there’s so many things that go into the decision. I loved every part of (my time in Winnipeg), and I know it’s unfortunate that things ended the way they are.”
Hellebuyck’s trade saga began in August when he publicly requested a trade from the Jets, stating only that “moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.” In mid-September, Winnipeg suspended him for failing to report to training camp, costing him nearly $930,000. His suspension ended the day he was traded to New Jersey on October 23.
Since joining the Devils, Hellebuyck has won all five of his starts. With him out against Winnipeg, backup goalie Jake Allen will start Tuesday’s game.
The decision to rest Hellebuyck against his former team comes as the Devils continue to manage their new goaltender’s workload and navigate the lingering tension surrounding his departure from Winnipeg.
According to Yahoo Sports.