Jets fans mock Hellebuyck, get last laugh in win vs. Devils

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 Tuesday.

The home crowd booed Hellebuyck the instant he stepped on the ice, setting the tone for an emotional 4-2 Winnipeg win.

Jets fans also scolded the three-time Vezina Trophy winner with creative chants and signs.

Jets fans continued to create a hostile environment for the visitors once the game started.

"Not too often the building is rocking in warmup and right from the drop of the puck," Jets head coach Scott Arniel said postgame, per Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press. "I just really like the way guys recognized the two points were extremely important."

The Jets outshot the Devils 25-21 and were sparked by Dawson Mercer's two goals. The forward was part of Winnipeg's return in the Hellebuyck trade.

The Devils announced Sunday that Hellebuyck wouldn't start Tuesday's game due to concerns that, given his recent workload, he "would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability." The goaltender said he would have preferred to play.

The Jets poked fun at the Devils' viral statement after the victory.

Winnipeg dealt Hellebuyck to New Jersey in October, ending a lengthy stalemate that began when the goaltender 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; he's won his first five starts and has posted a 1.96 GAA.