Jonah Sigel: The Devils are using analytics to hide from the truth about sitting Connor Hellebuyck - Toronto Star

The Devils could have respected Jets fans enough to offer an explanation that didn't sound like it came from an algorithm, writes Jonah Sigel.

Jonah Sigel is a longtime sports media and business writer and host of the "Bleav in the Pressrow" podcast. He is a freelance contributor to the Star’s sports section. Follow him on X: @yyzsportsmedia

There are plenty of legitimate reasons for an NHL team to sit its starting goaltender.

Fatigue, injuries, scheduling or a hot backup would top the list. Maybe even the occasional gut feeling from the coach.

In New Jersey, apparently there’s another reason: expected win probability.

On Sunday night, following the Devils’ 4-0 victory over the Maple Leafs, general manager Sunny Mehta issued a statement explaining why Connor Hellebuyck would not face the Winnipeg Jets, his former team, on Tuesday.

“This has been an organizational decision for us that we’ve debated at length. Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg. However, in our estimation, playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability.”

WINNIPEG - Connor Hellebuyck says he put his family’s safety first when he requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets.