Overview
- The Devils announced Sunday night that newly acquired goalie Connor Hellebuyck would not start in Winnipeg on Tuesday, citing an organizational analysis that starting him would lower the team’s expected win probability.
- Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel and several Jets players publicly criticized the decision as prolonging a painful chapter and denying fans and teammates a chance for closure after Hellebuyck’s trade and training-camp standoff.
- Hellebuyck said he was adamant that he wanted to play but accepted the club’s decision and will speak to reporters in Winnipeg after the morning skate to explain his side.
- The move was not performance-driven: Hellebuyck is 5-0-0 with New Jersey, posting a .913 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average, while the Devils will instead start veteran Jake Allen against the Jets.
- The episode has raised questions about the use of analytics in lineup decisions and leaves the storyline open to resurface when the teams meet again on Nov. 28 in New Jersey.