Connor Hellebuyck, Devils Trolled by Jets as Star Sits Out in 1st Winnipeg Trip Since Trade

The Winnipeg Jets took a shot at the New Jersey Devils after the Devils decided against playing former Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg's 4-2 home win on Tuesday.

In a post on X following their victory, the Jets trolled the Devils by writing, "Expected win probability 100%."

That was in response to the Devils posting a statement made by general manager Sunny Mehta on Sunday regarding why Hellebuyck would not face his former team on Tuesday:

In the statement, Mehta said that Hellebuyck against Winnipeg playing would "potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability."

With Jake Allen getting the start in net over Hellebuyck, the Devils fell behind 2-0 in the first period. They surged back with two goals in the second to tie it, but Winnipeg won it in the third, as Dawson Mercer scored the game-winner, and Kyle Connor added an empty-net goal.

Mercer was fittingly part of the Hellebuyck trade, which was completed last month.

Amid a trade demand, Hellebuyck was suspended by the Jets to start the 2026-27 season, before finally sending him to the Devils for Mercer, Alexander Command, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick on Oct. 23.

Hellebuyck had been the face of the franchise and arguably the main reason why the Jets made three straight playoff appearances from 2023 to 2025.

The 33-year-old Hellebuyck was a four-time All-Star, three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL's best goaltender and one-time Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP during his Jets tenure.

He also led Team USA to its first Olympic gold medal in men's ice hockey since 1980 earlier this year.

Hellebuyck has been excellent since the trade to New Jersey, winning all five of his starts and posting a 1.96 goals-against average and .913 save percentage, but the Devils didn't have the benefit of him being between the pipes in Tuesday's loss.