Jets coach criticizes Devils' decision not to play Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel said he’s disappointed Connor Hellebuyck won’t play against the Jets Tuesday night, arguing the decision made by the New Jersey Devils only prolongs a difficult chapter for the organization in the aftermath of granting the goaltender's public request to be traded.“It's their decision, and they can do whatever they want,” Arniel said Monday after practice. “I think that it would put closure to it. This doesn't.”The Devils said Sunday night that Hellebuyck would not play at Winnipeg, citing analysis that it would reduce their probability of winning. Hellebuyck has won all five of his starts with New Jersey.“I’ve seen a lot of analytics in my life since it’s really come into the forefront,” Arniel said. “I’m not sure how this works into the analytics part of it.”Hellebuyck spent 11 seasons with the Jets, winning the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie three times and the Hart Trophy as MVP in 2024-25. During the offseason, he asked f