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Craig Carton defends Devils’ decision to sit Connor Hellebuyck for his return to Winnipeg
Craig Carton defended the New Jersey Devils’ decision to keep Connor Hellebuyck out of goal for his return to Winnipeg, saying the move protected the American goaltender amid past threats against him and his family. Hellebuyck, a former Winnipeg Jet, was booed and taunted by some fans during the game, though he did not play.
Carton said Hellebuyck had requested a trade after receiving threats following his success against Canada’s national team, while still valuing his time with the Jets. The Devils’ general manager said starting the three-time Vezina Trophy winner would have reduced the team’s chances of winning. New Jersey and Winnipeg are due to meet again later this month, in New Jersey.
In short
- Carton backed the Devils for sitting Hellebuyck in Winnipeg.
- Hellebuyck was booed and taunted despite not playing.
- The teams meet again later this month in New Jersey.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Keeping Hellebuyck out of the game can be defended as a prudent way to protect his wellbeing after reported threats against him and his family, particularly given the hostile reception from some fans. A team has a responsibility to take credible safety concerns seriously, even when a player values his past connection with the city.
The case against
Starting Hellebuyck could be defended as respecting his professional role and allowing him to face his former team on his own terms, rather than letting hostile reactions dictate whether he plays. If the threats were not specific or imminent at the time, the Devils could reasonably have weighed ordinary security measures against the competitive and personal significance of the return.