Jets Claim Win With Hellebuyck’s Return; Fans Celebrate on Social Media

With months of anticipation, Winnipeg Jets fans delivered their support as Connor Hellebuyck made his long‑awaited return to the Canada Life Centre.

Hellebuyck travelled to Calgary on Tuesday for his first game back with the Jets since a trade to the New Jersey Devils. Although he did not start, the moment sparked a chorus of enthusiastic messages from the crowd.

Before the puck dropped, the 33‑year‑old was greeted with boos and creative signage as he warmed up and faced several shots.

Connor Hellebuyck steps out onto the ice at @CanadaLifeCtr for the #NJDevils.
I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a worse noise in my life.
Fans immediate start cheering “Helle sucks!” pic.twitter.com/Q04smhT8Ly

— Carter Brooks (@CBrooksie84) November 10, 2026

A nicely decorated sign here to welcome Connor Hellebuyck back to Winnipeg. pic.twitter.com/m8f6Xmei9z

— Carter Brooks (@CBrooksie84) November 10, 2026

Like the returns of Brady Tkachuk to Ottawa and Quinn Hughes to Vancouver, Hellebuyck, though invisible to fans for most of the game, earned creative cheers.

Dawson Mercer, a key piece of the Devils’ acquisition package, opened the scoring and finished with two goals, earning first star of the game and praise from viewers across social media.

“DAWSON MERCER LEGACY GAME OH MY GOD” @JohnnyGiunta_ wrote.

“You don’t trade a player like Dawson Mercer.” @MikeBartner added.

“Dawson Mercer may have become a Winnipeg Jets legend.” @ACoronaNJD proclaimed.

Nico Daws, the former Devils goaltender also part of the trade, added the nod for the Jets with 19 saves in his first win with the franchise.

Expected Win… Probably: Mercer Helps Power Jets Past Hellebuyck-less Devils
Dawson Mercer haunted his former team with a two‑goal performance as Winnipeg capitalized on a playoff‑like atmosphere to overturn a blown lead and stumbled the visiting Devils.

“Good for Nico Daws. That’s a tough atmosphere to stay composed in and he delivered.” @tj_maughan wrote.

“Dawson Mercer & Nico Daws revenge game!” @Sheepsteeler74 cheered.

“Nico Daws deserves cheers too. What a king for standing up to his old team.” @celestielf said.

When the buzzer sounded and the Jets secured the win, the team’s X account joked about the Devils and GM Sunny Mehta’s earlier statement about Hellebuyck not starting.

“Expected Win Probability 100%” The Jets wrote in a post alongside a final score graphic at game’s end.

Source link