New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will not play in Tuesday's game against the Winnipeg Jets, despite Hellebuyck's desire to face his former team in his first return to Winnipeg since being traded in October.
Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2024-25 Hart Trophy recipient, was traded to the Devils on Oct. 23 for a package including Dawson Mercer, Alexander Command, Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, and draft picks. The trade ended a standoff that saw Hellebuyck demand a move and stay away from the Jets until a deal was reached.
Mehta stated that playing Hellebuyck would "potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability," a decision that has drawn criticism from fans and Jets coach Scott Arniel. Arniel questioned the analytics behind the move, saying it would have provided closure.
Hellebuyck expressed disappointment but said he understands the team's perspective. The Devils have won five consecutive games, with veteran Jake Allen (6-3-0, 3.20 GAA) likely to start in net. Allen allowed four goals in his only start during the streak but was bailed out by the offense.
The Jets have won three straight games with Stuart Skinner in goal and are 4-4-1 at home. Defenseman Josh Morrissey is expected to return from injury after missing time since Oct. 7. Winnipeg is listed at +125 on the moneyline and is attracting 86% of the money at DraftKings, while the total is set at 6.5 goals with a lean to the under.
Forward Anthony Mantha is out for the Devils with an upper-body injury. The Jets have yet to see significant production from the trade return, with Bjugstad on long-term injured reserve, Mercer recording four points in eight games, and Daws appearing in only two games as the third-string goaltender.
