# Craig Carton defends Devils’ decision to sit Connor Hellebuyck for his return to Winnipeg

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/craig-carton-defends-devils-decision-to-sit-connor-hellebuyck-for-his-return-to-winnipeg/
- Published: 2026-11-11T23:02:23+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T00:40:06+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/craig-carton-defends-devils-decision-sit-connor-hellebuyck-return-winnipeg
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- 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.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.