Connor Hellebuyck Won’t Face Winnipeg After Devils Decide His Return Could Hurt Their Chances

Connor Hellebuyck will not take the ice against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, despite wanting to play in his first game back at Canada Life Centre since leaving the club. The New Jersey Devils announced the decision after Hellebuyck made 23 saves in a 4-0 shutout of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. Devils general manager Sunny Mehta said the organization had debated the call at length. In a statement, he explained that the team believed playing Hellebuyck in Winnipeg could reduce its chances of winning. Hellebuyck, however, told reporters he felt a responsibility to appear in the game. The goaltender said he was disappointed to miss the return but understood the decision. “Selfishly, I want to play,” he said, adding that he recognized the team had to consider what was best for the group. He also said he would have welcomed the chance to see the reaction from Winnipeg fans and face the questions surrounding his departure, but stressed that the choice was no longer his. Hellebuyck was traded to New Jersey on Oct. 23, ending a decorated stretch with the Jets. The deal sent Winnipeg forward Dawson Mercer, goaltender Nico Daws and a 2029 second-round draft pick. Hellebuyck had asked to leave despite having five years remaining on the seven-year, US$59.1-million extension he signed in October 2023. The 33-year-old declined to explain on Sunday why he wanted out, but said he planned to discuss his reasons at a media availability before Tuesday’s game. He also said he still loves Winnipeg. Since joining the Devils, Hellebuyck has gone 5-0-0, with a .913 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average.