Devils Sit Hellebuyck for Winnipeg Return

The New Jersey Devils will keep Connor Hellebuyck out of Tuesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets, denying the goaltender a chance to play in Winnipeg for the first time since his trade. General manager Sunny Mehta said the club decided that playing him could reduce its expected win probability.

Mehta said the decision followed extensive discussion and that Hellebuyck had been adamant he felt a duty to play. Hellebuyck said after Sunday’s game in Toronto that he was disappointed but understood the team’s position. “Selfishly, I want to play, but when you’re looking at the team and what’s best for the team, I understand where they’re coming from,” he said.

Coach Sheldon Keefe said the schedule and Hellebuyck’s workload factored into the choice. The goaltender missed training camp and had played five times since joining New Jersey, according to Keefe. He said Hellebuyck would not play every game and that the club wanted him to understand its reasoning.

The decision came after Hellebuyck made 23 saves in a 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, his first shutout with the Devils. He had also played the previous day. The Devils have won nine of their last 10 games, according...