The New Jersey Devils' decision to sit Connor Hellebuyck for his return to Winnipeg didn't stop Jets fans from venting their frustrations at their former netminder during warmup.
The home crowd booed Hellebuyck the instant he stepped on the ice.
Quite the Winnipeg pop when Connor Hellebuyck steps on the ice for the first time as an opponent. https://t.co/knrp42H6Cw
— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) November 10, 2026
Jets fans also scolded the three-time Vezina Trophy winner with creative chants and signs.
“Coward” was this chant for Connor Hellebuyck as Winnipeg warms up https://t.co/AtfQo1EHXa
— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) November 10, 2026
Jets fans are GIVING IT to Connor Hellebuyck in warmups https://t.co/NA2WmEarXl
— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) November 10, 2026
Jets fans continued to create a hostile environment for the visitors when the game started as well.
Just TWENTY seconds in and #NHLJets fans have a boisterous, “Where is Connor?” chant on the go. https://t.co/5scd4myqSO
— Carter Brooks (@CBrooksie84) November 11, 2026
The Devils announced Sunday that Hellebuyck wouldn't start Tuesday's highly anticipated clash due to his recent workload. The goaltender himself said he would have preferred to play.
Winnipeg dealt Hellebuyck to New Jersey in October, ending a lengthy stalemate that began when he requested a trade at the end of the 2025-26 season. In a media session Tuesday, Hellebuyck cited prioritizing his family as one of the reasons he asked out.
Hellebuyck is off to a strong start with the Devils, winning his first five starts and posting a 1.96 GAA.
