Devils announce Connor Hellebuyck will not start in return to Winnipeg

According to coverage from The New York Times, NHL.com, and CBC, Connor Hellebuyck will not start in his return to Winnipeg. The New York Times reports that Hellebuyck says threats made against his family pushed him to ask out of Winnipeg. NHL.com states that Hellebuyck reflects on his Winnipeg return and explains the reasons for the change. CBC notes that Hellebuyck spoke to the media in his first return to Winnipeg since forcing a trade from the Jets.

Coverage from various outlets, including The Globe and Mail, Awful Announcing, and Yahoo Sports, emphasizes the controversy surrounding the decision to bench Hellebuyck. The Globe and Mail suggests that Hellebuyck is hiding behind the Devils' AI excuse to dodge the start against the Jets in Winnipeg. Awful Announcing describes the explanation given by the New Jersey Devils as bewildering. Yahoo Sports states that the Devils won't live down benching Hellebuyck for his Winnipeg return. NHL.com, CBC, and WRAL also provide coverage of the situation, with WRAL citing reduced win probability as the reason for the decision.

The background to this situation is that Connor Hellebuyck was a key player for the Winnipeg Jets before being traded to the New Jersey Devils. According to NHL.com, the Jets are feeling good after a turbulent stretch, with the Devils looming as their next opponent. The decision to bench Hellebuyck has significant implications, with Fox News noting that it has left NHL fans bewildered. Sportsnet.ca provides analysis on why Hellebuyck won't be facing his former team in Winnipeg. The Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees receiving their custom rings, as reported by TSN, is a separate development in the hockey world.

As the situation unfolds, it will be important to watch how the Devils and Jets perform in their upcoming game. ESPN reports that Connor Hellebuyck won't play in his return to Winnipeg with the Devils. The New York Times states that the Devils have announced Hellebuyck will not start in his return to Winnipeg. NHL.com provides a statement from Devils GM Sunny Mehta. Further coverage from these outlets and others will likely provide more insight into the decision-making process behind benching Hellebuyck and its impact on the team's performance.