Hellebuyck’s absence in Winnipeg disappoints Jets coach Scott Arniel

Winnipeg Jets coach Scott Arniel said Monday he was disappointed that the New Jersey Devils will keep Connor Hellebuyck out of Tuesday’s game, the goaltender’s first trip back to Winnipeg since the Jets traded him on Oct. 23.

Arniel told reporters he respected New Jersey’s right to make the call but felt that playing would have given Jets fans and Hellebuyck’s former teammates some closure. “I can feel the frustration of the fans,” he said, according to Sportsnet.

Jets forward Kyle Connor also said he was surprised. “I think we all hoped he was playing,” he told Sportsnet.

Devils general manager Sunny Mehta announced the decision Sunday. Mehta said the club believed starting Hellebuyck in Winnipeg could hurt its chances of winning. Coach Sheldon Keefe pointed to the schedule: Sunday was Hellebuyck’s third start in six nights, and the Devils want him in net for both games against Washington later this week.

Hellebuyck said he wanted to play but understood the decision. At his request, the Devils will make him available to reporters after Tuesday’s morning skate at Canada Life Centre.

Hellebuyck has won all five of his starts for New Jersey, including Sunday’s 4–0 shutout in Toronto.