- Kyle Connor says he was “pretty surprised” the Devils are sitting Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg
- The Jets winger said the whole group “hoped he was playing”
- Read below for what Connor said about talking to Hellebuyck since the trade
Kyle Connor didn’t see this one coming.
The Jets winger told reporters Monday that he was caught off guard by the Devils keeping Connor Hellebuyck out of the lineup for Tuesday’s game in Winnipeg. Connor was asked about not getting the chance to face his old teammate.
“I honestly didn’t even think that was a possibility,” Connor said. “I was pretty surprised.”
Check out Connor’s full answer:
Connor was also asked if the Jets feel any relief at not having to shoot on Hellebuyck. They don’t. “No, I think we all hoped he was playing,” he said.
He was asked if he has talked to Hellebuyck since the goalie forced his way out of Winnipeg. “No,” Connor said. “It’s all business.”
Connor played with Hellebuyck for years in Winnipeg and again on Team USA’s gold medal team at the Olympics, so this isn’t a stranger on the other side. Skating against him for the first time was supposed to be a bit of closure for the Jets.
Devils GM Sunny Mehta announced Sunday night after New Jersey’s 4-0 win over Toronto that Hellebuyck would not start. Mehta said the goalie was adamant about playing, but the team felt it would cost them in “expected win probability.” Jake Allen gets the net, and Hellebuyck dresses as the backup. Here’s our original report on the decision:
Connor isn’t the only one in the Jets room who feels that way. Head coach Scott Arniel said Hellebuyck “just gave up on us” and that facing him Tuesday “would put closure to it.” Ray Ferraro also questioned the Devils’ reasoning. Arniel’s comments from Monday:
Hellebuyck is 5-0 with a .913 save percentage, a 1.96 goals-against average and a shutout since New Jersey acquired him Oct. 23. The Devils have won five straight. Winnipeg has won three in a row to get to 7-8-3.
The Jets visit Newark on Nov. 28, nine games from now.
