Kyle Connor Surprised As New Jersey Devils Keep Connor Hellebuyck Out Against Winnipeg Jets

Connor Hellebuyck was not in the Devils' lineup against the Winnipeg Jets© NDTV Library

The Winnipeg Jets were expecting Connor Hellebuyck to be in the New Jersey Devils' net for his first game back in Winnipeg, but the decision to start Jake Allen instead caught the players by surprise. Kyle Connor admitted he had not considered that Hellebuyck might sit out the matchup, which had been circled since the former Jets goaltender was traded in October. The announcement also frustrated head coach Scott Arniel, who wanted Tuesday's meeting to bring an end to the tension surrounding Hellebuyck's departure.

Kyle Connor Reacts to Devils' Decision to Bench Connor Hellebuyck

Connor said he was surprised by the Devils' decision, especially after Hellebuyck had recorded a 4-0 shutout against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. The Winnipeg forward had expected to face his former teammate when New Jersey arrived at Canada Life Centre.

"I didn't even think that was a possibility," Connor said. "So, I was pretty surprised. I thought he was playing for sure."

Connor and Hellebuyck shared more than their time with the Jets. Both were part of the United States team that won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, making their connection extend beyond their years together in Winnipeg.

Captain Adam Lowry also said he had been looking forward to the matchup. He played alongside Hellebuyck from the 2015-16 season until the trade and understood why the game had carried so much anticipation.

"I would have loved to play against him," Lowry said. "We'd all be lying if we said we weren't looking forward to the opportunity. Like I said countless times, he's a good friend of ours and it's always fun going up against buddies or ex-teammates. You just want to best them."

Scott Arniel Says Connor Hellebuyck's Return Will Remain Unresolved

The decision was made by the Devils' management, not Hellebuyck. General manager Sunny Mehta said the goaltender had been adamant about playing, but the organization believed starting him could reduce its chances of winning. Jake Allen is expected to get the start instead.

That explanation did little to satisfy Arniel. The Jets coach said the game was an opportunity for the organization, its supporters and the players who had been with Hellebuyck for years to move forward after his departure.

"He just gave up on us, and it would be nice to be finally done with this and all it does is drags it out," Arniel said.

Hellebuyck requested a trade after Winnipeg missed the playoffs last season. He did not report to training camp and was suspended before being dealt to New Jersey on Oct. 23. Since joining the Devils, he has gone 5-0-0 with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.

The Jets will have another meeting with the Devils in Newark on Nov. 28, meaning the first chance to face Hellebuyck has passed. Arniel said he had hoped Tuesday's game would finally close the chapter on the trade.