Connor Hellebuyck was introduced by the New Jersey Devils on Saturday and asked about the supporters he had left behind in Winnipeg. He said there was a great deal he needed to say, but that the Winnipeg Jets had the Heritage Classic the following day, and that out of respect for the occasion he would postpone it.
The Heritage Classic came and went on Sunday. On Monday, at his first practice with his new team, Hellebuyck still wouldn’t discuss the reasons behind his trade request.
That is the part supporters have run out of patience with.
“Why can’t this unbelievable goof just give some PR level statement thanking the fans and city and move on?” one wrote.
“The Heritage Classic deserves a year’s worth of respect. He’s saving his comments till next season,” said another.
A third was blunter about the pattern. “He’s so self indulgent. Feels wronged and victimized despite getting what he wanted. Won’t air it out, but just alludes to it enough times to hint at something.”
Not everybody thinks he should speak at all. “I agree with Elliotte, he needs to let it go and focus on the Devils. He gets nothing out of opening his mouth at this point,” one argued.
Connor Hellebuyck’s Jets franchise records among goaltenders:
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games played | 625 |
| Wins | 345 |
| Shutouts | 45 |
When will Connor Hellebuyck make his Devils debut?
Monday was his first practice since last season, and by his own account he could have played that night.
“If you’re asking me, I’m ready today,” Hellebuyck said. “But I don’t make every decision around here.”
Head coach Sheldon Keefe liked what he saw, calling the session an important step and saying Hellebuyck looked sharp. New Jersey are on the road to Dallas on Tuesday, Colorado on Wednesday and Vegas on Friday.
“I think the intent would be to get him involved in this trip,” Keefe said. “But we’ll have to take it a day at a time.”
READ MORE: Quinn Hughes got one more round of boos after the game
He hasn’t been idle. Keefe noted that Monday was Hellebuyck’s 29th day on the ice since the Devils opened training camp, having spent the suspension skating in Michigan and facing shots from NHL-caliber players including Robby Fabbri.
Luke Hughes, who trains with him every summer alongside brothers Jack and Quinn, knows what his new teammates are getting.
“We always joke around, how many goals did you get on Helle today? Usually, it’s not many,” Hughes said.
Hellebuyck wore a temporary Devils sticker on his mask and described the day as fun. He plays in Winnipeg on November 10.
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