New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will not start Tuesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre, as general manager Sunny Mehta cited a potential reduction in expected win probability, according to NHL.com.
The decision delays the three-time Vezina Trophy winner’s first on-ice return to Winnipeg until the 2027-28 season, barring a relief appearance by Jake Allen.
Hellebuyck requested a trade during the offseason despite having five seasons remaining on a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension signed on Oct. 9, 2023, as reported by NHL.com. After failing to report to training camp, the Jets suspended him before executing an Oct. 23 trade sending him to New Jersey for Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick, according to theScore.
A statement from Devils GM Sunny Mehta on our game Tuesday in Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/xrF8OBaHXe
Jake Allen Starts Against Winnipeg as Hellebuyck Rests
- Jake Allen handles the start against Winnipeg, while Hellebuyck owners must adjust their weekly lineup locks with the veteran resting.
- New Jersey keeps its goaltending depth for Thursday's divisional game against the Washington Capitals.
Winnipeg Return Postponed
Devils general manager Sunny Mehta announced the decision on Sunday following New Jersey’s 4-0 shutout win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, as reported by theScore. Mehta explained that starting Hellebuyck would result in a reduction in expected win probability.
Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg,
Mehta stated, according to DAZN. However, in our estimation, playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability.
Connor Hellebuyck speaks to the media following his shutout win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. pic.twitter.com/US2zqdwpMr
Hellebuyck admitted disappointment regarding the organizational ruling. 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, according to theScore.
Heavy Workload and Conditioning Lead to Hellebuyck Benching
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe pointed to a heavy workload and conditioning factors behind the benching, noting that starting in Winnipeg would force Hellebuyck to play four games in eight nights after skipping training camp, according to NHL.com.
| Goaltender | Team | 2026-27 Record | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Hellebuyck | New Jersey Devils | 5-0-0 | 1.96 | .913 |
| Jake Allen | New Jersey Devils | — | — | — |
Although the goaltender will watch from the bench during game action, he is scheduled to address the Winnipeg media at a Tuesday morning press conference at Canada Life Centre, as reported by DAZN. Hellebuyck recently released a letter via The Globe and Mail citing very challenging family circumstances as a primary driver behind his departure.
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We are pivoting from the game recap on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show to discuss the Devils decision to NOT PLAY Connor Hellebuyck in the game on Tuesday in Winnipeg. We want to hear from you:https://t.co/nBAxm6EWVf
