Connor Hellebuyck in action© NDTV Library
Connor Hellebuyck will not start when the New Jersey Devils visit the Winnipeg Jets, but the decision has drawn criticism beyond the goaltender’s disappointment. SportsCentre analyst Bryan Hayes questioned whether the organization was truly responsible for keeping Hellebuyck out of the game. His comments came after the Devils announced that their star goalie would miss his return to Winnipeg, where he spent the first 11 seasons of his NHL career. The decision has added another talking point to an already tense situation between Hellebuyck and his former team.
Bryan Hayes Questions Connor Hellebuyck’s Decision to Sit Out Winnipeg Return
Reacting to the Devils’ explanation, Hayes was not convinced that the decision came entirely from the organization. He suggested that Hellebuyck himself did not want to face his former team in Winnipeg.
“I’m not convinced at all that this is the organization that has made this decision, this is Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck doesn’t want to play [in Winnipeg]…Hellebuyck is running from this opportunity.”
Hayes’ comments directly challenged the explanation provided by Devils general manager Sunny Mehta, who said Hellebuyck had been adamant about playing Tuesday. The analyst’s criticism also puts the focus back on the goaltender’s departure from Winnipeg and the questions surrounding his return.
Devils Cite Workload After Announcing Hellebuyck Will Not Start Against Jets
Mehta announced the decision on Sunday following New Jersey’s 4-0 shutout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his statement, the general manager said the organization had debated the matter at length before deciding that starting Hellebuyck could reduce the team’s expected win probability.
“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,” Mehta said.
Hellebuyck also expressed disappointment after learning he would not start, saying he wanted to “face the music” but that the decision was “out of my hands.” Head coach Sheldon Keefe separately pointed to the workload involved in managing a goaltender across a full season, explaining that Hellebuyck would need nights off.
The 33-year-old was acquired from Winnipeg on October 23 after asking to leave the Jets at the end of last season. He had spent 11 years with the franchise and was suspended by the organization in September after failing to report to training camp.
Hellebuyck has made a strong start with New Jersey, going 5-0 with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. He is scheduled to speak with Winnipeg reporters following Tuesday’s morning skate at Canada Life Centre.
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