Winnipeg Jets news: Connor Hellebuyck will not be in net on Tuesday when the New Jersey Devils visit Canada Life Centre, and the decision was made by New Jersey management over the goalie’s own wishes.
By Maplestime Sports Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 8, 2026
Sources: Illegal Curve Hockey, theScore, Sportsnet | Last updated: November 8, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The New Jersey Devils announced on Sunday night that Connor Hellebuyck will not start on Tuesday in Winnipeg, his first game back at Canada Life Centre as a visiting player.
- Devils general manager Sunny Mehta said Hellebuyck was adamant he felt a duty to play, but the team decided sitting him gives New Jersey a better chance to win.
- Hellebuyck told TSN he is disappointed he will not get to face the music in Winnipeg, saying the call is out of his hands.
- Hellebuyck will still speak to reporters in Winnipeg after the Tuesday morning skate at Canada Life Centre, at his request.
- Tuesday is New Jersey’s only visit to Winnipeg this season, so Jets fans will not see their former goalie in net on this trip.
What the Devils Announced
The Devils released a statement from Mehta on Sunday evening, hours after Winnipeg beat Tampa Bay 4-3 on a Mark Scheifele goal in the final seconds at Canada Life Centre.
“This has been an organizational decision for us that we’ve debated at length. Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg. However, in our estimation, playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability. Even though Connor isn’t playing, at his request, we will coordinate a media availability after Tuesday’s morning skate at Canada Life Centre.”
Mehta’s statement made it plain that the call was about the result, not about Hellebuyck’s health or readiness. The goalie is 5-0 with New Jersey after wins over the Islanders and Maple Leafs this weekend, including his first shutout as a Devil in a 4-0 win in Toronto.
Hellebuyck Wanted to Play
Hellebuyck did not hide his feelings about the decision. He told TSN’s Chris Johnston he is disappointed he will not be able to face the music in Winnipeg.
“It’s out of my hands,” he said.
The reaction fits the way Hellebuyck has handled his exit from Winnipeg. On November 4 he posted an open letter to Jets fans explaining that family circumstances drove his trade request, thanking the organization and the fans, and saying he understood why many supporters felt hurt.
Why Tuesday Mattered So Much
Tuesday was circled on the Winnipeg calendar from the moment the October 23 trade was announced. Hellebuyck won three Vezina Trophies as the Jets goalie, then asked for a trade in the summer, skipped training camp, and was suspended before Winnipeg dealt him to New Jersey for Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, the rights to first round pick Alexander Command, a 2029 second round pick and a 2027 seventh round pick.
It was set to be his first time at Canada Life Centre as a visiting player. Tuesday is also New Jersey’s only visit to Winnipeg this season, so there is no second chance on this schedule for Jets fans to see him in net against his old team.
What Happens Next
Hellebuyck will still face Winnipeg reporters after the Tuesday morning skate at Canada Life Centre, at his request. The Jets host the Devils on Tuesday night, looking for a fourth straight win after Sunday’s 4-3 win over Tampa Bay.
Maplestime will provide updates from the Jets and Devils game on Tuesday as announcements are made.
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Do you think the Devils made the right call sitting Hellebuyck, or did Winnipeg fans deserve to see him in net on Tuesday? Tell us in the comments. And share this with every Jets fan following the Hellebuyck return this week.
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