Jets coach criticizes Devils for benching Hellebuyck in return to Winnipeg

Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel criticized the New Jersey Devils' choice to keep goaltender Connor Hellebuyck out of his first game back in Manitoba, saying the move denied fans and teammates a sense of closure. Arniel noted that other players have returned to their former arenas and completed the experience, adding that the decision would likely keep the situation unresolved for the Jets' supporters.

"I know it's their decision and they can do whatever they want, but I think that it would put closure to the situation. This doesn't," Arniel said.

The Devils announced the benching on Sunday, with general manager Sunny Mehta pointing to a projected reduction in the team's win probability as the primary factor. Hellebuyck expressed disappointment but accepted the decision, stating that playing in Winnipeg would have been “nice” but was beyond his control.

"I’m disappointed, but I understand. Selfishly, I want to play, but when you’re looking at the team and what’s best for the team, I understand where they’re coming from," Hellebuyck said.

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe cited the goaltender’s recent workload as another consideration, noting that the game would have been Hellebuyck’s third in six nights and that the team needed to manage his usage ahead of upcoming divisional matchups.

"If you look at it from the coaching end, tonight was his third game in six nights… after we finish this game in Winnipeg, we’re going to go home to two big divisional games waiting for us," Keefe explained.

Jets forward Kyle Connor echoed the disappointment, saying the team had hoped Hellebuyck would play and that there had been no communication with him since the trade.

"I honestly didn’t even think this was a possibility. I was pretty surprised. I think we all hoped he was playing," Connor said.

Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, was traded to the Devils on Oct. 23 after a prolonged trade request and a suspension for missing training camp. Since joining New Jersey, he has posted a 5-0 record, a .913 save percentage, a 1.96 goals-against average and one shutout. The Jets and Devils are scheduled to meet again on Nov. 28 in New Jersey.