Devils sit Hellebuyck in Winnipeg
The gist
The Devils will not start Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg, citing win probability and workload.
The benching keeps the ex-Jets star from facing a sold-out, hostile crowd.
How it unfolded
- Oct 23, 2026The Devils acquired Hellebuyck from Winnipeg in a blockbuster trade, finalized the day he became eligible to return from his Jets suspension.
- Oct 24, 2026Hellebuyck said he was glad to join the Devils after his standoff with the Jets; the trade sent Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command and draft picks to Winnipeg.
- Oct 27, 2026Hellebuyck made his Devils debut against the Dallas Stars.
Key terms
- win probability
- A statistical estimate of a sports team's chance of winning at a given point in a game, based on historical teams in similar situations.
- Hart Trophy
- Annual NHL award given to the player judged most valuable to his team, voted by hockey writers.
- Vezina
- Annual NHL award given to the goaltender judged best at his position, voted by general managers.
Source: Wikipedia