From CBS Sports · · 50s
Devils Skip Hellebuyck for Homecoming Game
New Jersey Devils skip Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg homecoming game.
In brief
New Jersey Devils skip Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg homecoming game. New Jersey Devils skip Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg homecoming game to avoid reducing expected win probability. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Hellebuyck trade
Connor Hellebuyck traded from Winnipeg Jets to New Jersey Devils.
“The 2024-25 Hart Trophy winner preferred Florida”
Hellebuyck suspension
Hellebuyck suspension ended on Oct 23 after trade completion.
“Hellebuyck is in the third year of a seven-year contract extension”
Hellebuyck's decision
Hellebuyck sits out homecoming game to avoid reducing Devils' expected win probability.
“Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg”
Devils' reasoning
Devils GM Sunny Mehta says playing Hellebuyck would reduce expected win probability.
“However, in our estimation, playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability”
Hellebuyck's response
Hellebuyck says he is disappointed but understands team decision.
“Hellebuyck said he is "disappointed … but when you're looking at what's best for the team, I understand where they're coming from"”
Game impact
Devils avoid Hellebuyck for homecoming game to focus on Thursday's Washington game.
“This likely was because of the bitter reactions Tkachuk got in Ottawa and Hughes did in Vancouver”
The takeaway
New Jersey Devils skip Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg homecoming game to avoid reducing expected win probability.
