Jets coach decries decision to keep Hellebuyck on bench for home game against Devils
Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel expressed disappointment that former goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will not start against the New Jersey Devils, a decision made by the Devils organization.
The Winnipeg Jets will face the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday in Winnipeg without former starter Connor Hellebuyck in the net, as the Devils have elected to start Jake Allen and keep Hellebuyck as a backup. The move, announced by Devils general manager Sunny Mehta, drew a sharp reaction from Jets head coach Scott Arniel, who said the decision reflects a broader disappointment for the organization and its fans.
"To me, it goes back to the ownership, it goes back to the fans, it goes back to the core guys that have been with ‘Helly’ from the very beginning, that he kind of left on," Arniel said. "He just gave up on us, and it would be nice to be finally done with this and all it does is drag it out. That's the biggest disappointment for me."
Arniel added that the timing prolongs a storyline that began when Hellebuyck was traded to New Jersey in October after requesting a move from Winnipeg. He noted the team must focus on securing two points against a strong Devils squad, regardless of the goaltending situation.
Jets forward Kyle Connor said he had assumed Hellebuyck would start, expressing surprise at the change. "I didn't even think that was a possibility," he said.
Mehta explained the choice was an organizational decision aimed at preserving the Devils' win probability, noting that Hellebuyck had advocated to play but ultimately had to accept the team's judgment.
Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2024-25 Hart Trophy recipient, confirmed he wanted to play but respected the decision. "We definitely had a conversation and I told them my thoughts on it and they told me theirs, and at the end of the day, I have to listen to them and I can only push so hard," he said.
Jets captain Adam Lowry described the move as surprising but acknowledged that internal discussions were beyond his knowledge. He emphasized the team's focus on earning points and maintaining momentum after a recent four-goal win streak.
The game marks the only Devils visit to Winnipeg this season, with a rematch scheduled for November 28 in New Jersey. Both teams enter the contest on winning streaks, and the outcome will determine which club claims the two points at stake.