New Jersey Devils
Devils To Sit Hellebuyck in Winnipeg Return Despite His Desire to “Face the Music”
The New Jersey Devils are not allowing Connor Hellebuyck to play when they travel to Winnipeg and he’s not happy about the decision.
The New Jersey Devils have released a public statement about their decision not to let Connor Hellebuyck start in goal when the Devils travel to Winnipeg on Tuesday to play the Jets. Citing the odds not being in their favor if they let their starter start, fans are livid and the goaltender isn’t all that thrilled either.
“This has been an organizational decision for us that we’ve debated at length. Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg. However, in our estimation, playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability. Even though Connor isn’t playing, at his request, we will coordinate a media availability after Tuesday’s morning skate at Canada Life Centre.”
Head coach Sheldon Keefe also cited Hellebuyck’s workload as a big reason he won’t play in Winnipeg. That would have been his fourth start in eight days. Keefe said, “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.”
Fans and Hellebuyck Not Happy About Devils Decision
What has fans so upset, and the NHL can’t be loving this either, is the fact that the team has chosen to “give” Hellebuyck this night off in particular. No one is going to buy that it’s a coincidence. Hellebuyck said, “I’m disappointed, but I understand. Selfishly, I want to play. When you’re looking at the team and what’s best for the team, I understand where they’re coming from.” When asked why he was disappointed, Hellebuyck noted, “I love Winnipeg. Playing there again and just facing the music, seeing the reaction… it would be nice, but it’s out of my hands.”
He noted that they did have a conversation and he told them he was adamant he wanted to play. They had a different outlook on the decision, and he noted it’s above him and that he can only push so hard.
Hellebuyck said he’s not sure how the Winnipeg fans will react to him not playing and if this will have any additional blowback on him. He didn’t want to project, other than to say he’s heard there’s a pretty sour taste among the fan base there. “However I’m perceived, I’m going to choose love…” said Hellebuyck.
Hellebuyck will meet with the media on Tuesday to explain why he requested a trade in the first place. He will talk, he simply won’t play.
The full video of his media scrum on Sunday is below:
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Owen Price
November 9, 2026 at 12:36 am
A tough call for the Devils, but an understandable one — Hellebuyck clearly wanted to face the Winnipeg fans head-on, and sitting him only adds to the noise around the trade request. Tuesday’s media session should be very interesting.