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WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel voiced frustration Monday over the New Jersey Devils' choice to keep goaltender Connor Hellebuyck out of the lineup for Tuesday night's matchup, suggesting the move only extends an uncomfortable situation for the organization. The Devils granted Hellebuyck's public trade request earlier this season, and Arniel believes facing his former team would have provided closure.
"It's their decision, and they can do whatever they want," Arniel said following practice. "I think that it would put closure to it. This doesn't."
The Devils announced Sunday night that Hellebuyck would not play at Winnipeg, citing internal analysis indicating the decision would lower their chances of winning. Hellebuyck has been perfect in his brief Devils tenure, winning all five of his starts.
Arniel, a veteran coach who has witnessed the rise of analytics in hockey, questioned the rationale. "I've seen a lot of analytics in my life since it's really come into the forefront," he said. "I'm not sure how this works into the analytics part of it."
Hellebuyck spent 11 seasons with the Jets, capturing the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender three times and the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2024-25. His departure was acrimonious: he requested a trade during the offseason, refused to report to training camp, and was suspended without pay well into the season before the deal was finalized on Oct. 23.
"I mean, he just gave up on us," Arniel said. "And so it'll be nice to just finally be done with this."
The Jets are set to visit the Devils on Nov. 28 in the second and final meeting between the clubs this season. Arniel anticipates facing more questions about Hellebuyck leading up to that game.
Jets captain Adam Lowry admitted he was taken aback by the decision. "Oh, I would have loved to play against him," Lowry said. "We'd all be lying if we said we weren't looking forward to the opportunity."
Hellebuyck, who posted a shutout at Toronto in his most recent outing, said he wanted to face his former team but understands the Devils' decision. The 33-year-old American added that he plans to explain his reasons for wanting out when he speaks to reporters in Winnipeg on Tuesday.
Key Analysis
The decision to bench Hellebuyck against Winnipeg highlights the growing influence of analytics in hockey decision-making, even when it conflicts with emotional or narrative-driven considerations. Arniel's comments underscore the lingering tension from Hellebuyck's contentious exit, while Lowry's reaction reflects the competitive desire to face a former teammate. The move also raises questions about how teams balance data with player morale and public perception.
Originally reported by local10.