'He Just Gave Up On Us': Jets' Arniel Talks Hellebuyck Trade, Devils' Decision To Sit Goalie Out

James Carey Lauder-Imagn ImagesJames Carey Lauder-Imagn ImagesNov 9, 2026 8:51 PMPublished Nov 9, 2026 8:51 PMWinnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel did not shy away when asked to share his thoughts on the New Jersey Devils' decision to sit Connor Hellebuyck ahead of his return to Canada Life Centre.The Winnipeg Jets and their fans were hoping for some closure this week.After a lengthy standoff between the franchise and three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck resulted in the 33-year-old being traded to the New Jersey Devils, this week had the potential for the netminder to face his former teammates and the fanbase he played in front of for the previous 11 seasons.However, after Devils GM Sunny Mehta announced on Sunday evening that Hellebuyck would not be starting in net for the team's Nov. 10 matchup against the Jets at Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg head coach Scott Arniel was among many critics around the hockey world who were disappointed by the decision."We've seen some other players go back to their buildings and do it and get it over and done with," Arniel said to media in Winnipeg on Monday. "I know it's their decision and they can do whatever they want, but I think that it would put closure (to the situation). This doesn't. Related stories"We're gonna see them in (nine) games in their building and I'm sure he's going to be in the net then."The Jets will be capping off a three-game Eastern Conference road trip on Nov. 28 with a rematch in New Jersey. The Devils do not return to Winnipeg for the rest of the season.This storyline has followed the Jets all season, like it did with the Ottawa Senators leading up Brady Tkachuk's highly-anticipated return with the Florida Panthers. The same happened with the Vancouver Canucks in the months before Quinn Hughes' return as a member of the Minnesota Wild.More than anything, Arniel feels like this is a missed opportunity for all parties involved to move on."He just gave up on us. It would be nice to finally be done with this," Arniel said. "I can feel the frustration of the fans. We wanted to get this put to bed. That's the biggest thing. Now it’s not getting put to bed here. It’s going to linger again."When asked about the team's decision to sit him out after posting a 4-0 shutout win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hellebuyck himself seemed disappointed but ultimately stood by the organization's decision."I'm disappointed, but I understand," Hellebuyck said. "Selfishly, I want to play. But when you're looking at the team and what's best for the team, I understand where they're coming from."Hellebuyck has put together a perfect 5-0-0 record in his short time with the Devils along with a .913 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average. The Devils are in the midst of a five-game winning streak and are second in the Metropolitan Division with a 13-5-0 record.The Jets have won three games in a row and are sixth in the Central Division with a 7-8-3 record.For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.