Winnipeg Jets supporters had hoped for resolution this week.
Following a protracted contract standoff, three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck was traded to the New Jersey Devils, setting up a potential emotional homecoming against his former teammates and the Winnipeg fanbase that supported him for 11 seasons.
Those hopes were dampened Sunday when New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta announced that Hellebuyck would not start in goal for the Nov. 10 matchup against the Jets at Canada Life Centre. Winnipeg head coach Scott Arniel joined a chorus of critics disappointed by the decision.
“We’ve seen other players return to their home arenas and get it over with,” Arniel told reporters Monday in Winnipeg. “I understand it’s their decision, but I believed it would bring closure to this situation. It doesn’t. We’ll see them in nine games at their building, and I’m sure he’ll be in net then.”
The Jets conclude a three-game Eastern Conference road trip on Nov. 28 with a rematch in New Jersey. The Devils will not return to Winnipeg this season.
The situation echoes similar narratives around the league this season, including the Ottawa Senators ahead of Brady Tkachuk’s return against the Florida Panthers, and the Vancouver Canucks before Quinn Hughes came back to face them as a member of the Minnesota Wild.
Above all, Arniel views the decision as a missed opportunity for everyone involved to move forward.
“He just gave up on us,” Arniel said. “It would be nice to finally put this behind us. I can feel the fans’ frustration. We wanted this resolved. That was the priority. Instead, it’s not being settled here—it will linger.”
Asked about being held out after recording a 4-0 shutout over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hellebuyck appeared disappointed but ultimately supported the organization’s call.
“I’m disappointed, but I understand,” Hellebuyck said. “Selfishly, I want to play. But when you consider what’s best for the team, I see where they’re coming from.”
Hellebuyck is 5-0-0 with New Jersey, sporting a .913 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average. The Devils have won five straight and sit second in the Metropolitan Division at 13-5-0.
Winnipeg has won three straight and is sixth in the Central Division with a 7-8-3 record.
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