Connor Hellebuyck spoke to reporters on Tuesday, revealing that incidents involving his family crossed the line and were a major factor in his trade request from the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils.
Jake Allen Starts for Devils Following Hellebuyck Trade
- New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta benched Hellebuyck for his return to avoid a potential reduction in expected win probability, handing the start to veteran Jake Allen.
- The blockbuster October 23 trade sent prospect Alexander Command, who was drafted 12th overall in June, forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nic Daws, a 2027 seventh-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick all to Winnipeg.
- Fantasy managers tracking the Devils must adjust for Jake Allen drawing the start in Winnipeg while Hellebuyck serves as the backup.
Hellebuyck Cites Family Incidents as Reason for Winnipeg Exit
Returning to Canada Life Centre for the first time since his offseason departure, Hellebuyck laid out the personal toll of his final months in Manitoba. According to CBC, the veteran goaltender stated that incidents involving his family crossed a definitive boundary. Sportsnet reported that Hellebuyck clarified the situation involved more than standard online death threats.
“I've had all of my career accomplishments here, and I don't want any of this to change any of that.” In his return to Winnipeg, Connor Hellebuyck reflects on the city and his time as a Jet.https://t.co/qvD7scqGss
Some things happened to my family that, for me, crossed the line … and made that decision very certain,
Hellebuyck told reporters, as quoted by CBC.
He added that remaining in Winnipeg meant his family would not have joined him, leaving a change of scenery as the only viable path forward. He noted that as a father and husband, he had to do what was best for his family and his career.
When asked if his decision to leave a Canadian market was influenced by his role in the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he helped the United States win its first gold in 40 years by defeating Canada, he acknowledged the complexities of being an American playing north of the border.
I’d be lying to you if I said that my life hasn’t changed since the Olympics,
he said, adding that while there are difficulties, there are also many positives to being an American in Canada.
“Right away, he very boldly said: ‘I feel it's my duty to play in this game.’ ” Connor Hellebuyck says he wants to face the music in Winnipeg. But the Devils looked at workload and conditioning and "win probability" and stressors and are denying a moment: https://t.co/lV2ckpcW0N pic.twitter.com/EAvhSX8UE9
Sunny Mehta Benches Hellebuyck to Protect Win Probability
Despite Hellebuyck telling the Devils he felt it was his duty to start against his former club, management intervened. Global News reported that general manager Sunny Mehta cited a potential reduction in expected win probability as the rationale for keeping the star netminder on the bench.
TSN noted that head coach Sheldon Keefe admitted his competitive instincts wanted Hellebuyck on the ice, stating, The competitor in me of course wants to get Connor out there. Let’s go, let’s get at it.
| Goaltender | Team | Save Percentage | Goals-Against Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Hellebuyck | New Jersey Devils | .913 | 1.96 |
| Jake Allen | New Jersey Devils | .881 | 3.20 |
| Nic Daws | Winnipeg Jets | .913 | 3.11 |
The rivalry matchup unfolds without Hellebuyck manning the crease, as Jake Allen handles goaltending duties for New Jersey. Global News confirmed that the Devils and Jets meet again in New Jersey on November 28, offering another chapter in this rapidly developing storyline.
Hellebuyck Hopes to Heal Relationships After Acrimonious Split
The acrimonious split included a suspension and the forfeiture of over $925,000 before the October 23 trade, as detailed by The Athletic. The 33-year-old goaltender, who spent 11 seasons in Winnipeg and earned three Vezina Trophies and a Hart Trophy there, had previously stated he was ready to be a Jet for life. Yet, Hellebuyck expressed a desire to heal fractured bonds over time.
When I retire and the day that this is all over…
I don’t want our relationships to be gone,
Hellebuyck told TSN.
In Winnipeg, anticipation for the game remains high. Tickets for Tuesday’s game sold out quickly and prices tripled in some cases. While Jets fans and head coach Scott Arniel expressed disappointment that Hellebuyck is not suiting up, local resident Mike Richardson told Global News he does not expect the absence to change the atmosphere.
Everybody wanted that, just to ‘boo.’ However you feel about it, that’s the rivalry of hockey,
Richardson said. Jets captain Adam Lowry also noted the anticipation, saying, I would have loved to play against him. We’d all be lying if we said we weren’t looking forward to the opportunity.’
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Hellebuyck not starting @ Winnipeg a ‘disappointment,’ Scott Arniel says. "This has been throughout the summer, it’s been through our training camp, it’s been all the way thru the trade & now it’s continued on. I was just kind of hoping it would be done.”https://t.co/BdHEMggtax”
