Sports · Other Sports · 18 hrs ago
Connor Hellebuyck will not start against the Jets in Winnipeg
New Jersey Devils goalie Connor Hellebuyck will not play against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday in his first game back in Winnipeg since his trade.
Hellebuyck spent 11 seasons with the Jets before joining New Jersey in a trade on October 23.
He had asked to leave Winnipeg, and the Jets suspended him after he did not report to training camp.
Hellebuyck said he wanted to face his former team, but the Devils made the decision after discussing it with him.
The team’s general manager cited a possible effect on its chances of winning, while coach Sheldon Keefe also pointed to Hellebuyck’s workload.
The decision means he will miss a return expected to draw a strong reaction from Jets fans upset about his departure.
Hellebuyck is due to speak with the media Tuesday morning and has said he will explain why he wanted to leave Winnipeg.
The New Jersey Devils said Connor Hellebuyck will not start against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday in his return to Winnipeg.
Hellebuyck said he wanted to play against his former team, but the decision was made by the organization.
General manager Sunny Mehta cited a potential reduction in the Devils’ expected win probability as a reason for the decision.
Coach Sheldon Keefe also cited Hellebuyck’s workload, according to Sportsnet.
Hellebuyck was traded from the Jets to the Devils on Oct. 23 after requesting a trade.
- Who
- Connor Hellebuyck and the New Jersey Devils.
- What
- Hellebuyck will not start against the Jets. He said he wanted to play.
- When
- Tuesday night; the announcement was made Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.
- Where
- Winnipeg, Manitoba, where the Jets play.
- Why
- The Devils cited a potential reduction in expected win probability; the coach also cited Hellebuyck’s workload.
New Jersey Devils management and coach
Connor Hellebuyck
Decision
New Jersey Devils management and coach
The Devils decided he would not start against the Jets.
Connor Hellebuyck
Hellebuyck said he was adamant that he wanted to play.
Reasoning
New Jersey Devils management and coach
Mehta cited a potential reduction in expected win probability, while coach Sheldon Keefe cited workload.
Connor Hellebuyck
Hellebuyck said he wanted to face his former team and accept the reaction.
Hellebuyck was traded from the Jets to the Devils in a multiplayer deal.
The Devils announced that Hellebuyck would not start against the Jets.
The Devils are scheduled to face the Jets in Winnipeg, where Hellebuyck was due to make his first return since the trade.
- Trade date
- Oct. 23, 2026
- Former team
- Winnipeg Jets
- New team
- New Jersey Devils
- Winnipeg tenure
- 11 seasons
- Sunday shutout
- Hellebuyck made 23 saves in a 4-0 Devils win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
4 sources
Hellebuyck won't play in return to Winnipeg with Devils in 'organizational decision'
Keefe alludes to workload as reason Hellebuyck won’t play against Jets
What people are saying
This has been an organizational decision for us that we've debated at length.
Selfishly I want to play, but when you're looking at what's best for the team, I understand where they're coming from
I was adamant that I wanted to play. But it is what it is
However I'm perceived, I'm going to choose love and to remember being part of that community.
Posts on X
A statement from Devils GM Sunny Mehta on our game Tuesday in Winnipeg.