The New Jersey Devils emerged as one of the best teams in the NHL this season and beefed up their roster when they acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.
The Devils shut out the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, increasing the anticipation for a matchup on Tuesday between New Jersey and Winnipeg in Canada. However, general manager Sunny Mehta shut down the possibility of Hellebuyck playing and gave a bizarre reason as to why.
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“This has been an organizational decision for us that we’ve debated at length,” Mehta said. “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.”
Hellebuyck made 23 saves against Toronto in the 4-0 victory and will have a day of rest in between games. Instead, Jake Allen will likely get the nod in between the pipes because of a “reduction in our expected win probability.”
As the kids say these days, “the math ain’t mathin’.”
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Fans were just as confused by the statement.
Hellebuyck said it would have been nice to play in Winnipeg again after the Jets traded him to the Devils last month for Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws and a 2029 second-round draft pick.
“I know there’s a pretty sour taste in Winnipeg,” Hellebuyck said. “But I can only speak to my memories and my cherished moments in the city. I’ve loved every part of my career there. However, I’m perceived, I’m going to choose love.”
New Jersey is 13-5 this season, sitting just four points (26) behind the Carolina Hurricanes (30) for first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Boston Bruins are the only other team that have more points (27) than the Devils.
Hellebuyck has yet to lose as a goaltender for New Jersey. He has a 1.96 goals against average and makes 91.3% of his saves.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.