Winnipeg wanted to close the book on Connor Hellebuyck on Tuesday night. New Jersey just kept it open.

The Devils announced that Hellebuyck will not start in his first game back in Winnipeg since the Jets granted his trade demand on Oct. 23. General manager Sunny Mehta called it an "organizational decision" made after Hellebuyck's 4-0 shutout of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday.

"Connor Hellebuyck was adamant that he felt a duty to play on Tuesday in Winnipeg" Mehta said in a statement. "However, in our estimation, playing in this game would potentially give us a reduction in our expected win probability." Jake Allen is expected to start instead.

'This doesn't' put closure to it

Jets coach Scott Arniel did not hide his frustration on Monday.

"I've seen a lot of analytics in my life. I'm not sure how this works into the analytics part of it" Arniel said. "I know it's their decision. They can do whatever they want. But that would put closure to it. This doesn't."

He went further. "He gave up on us" Arniel said. "It would be nice to finally be done with this."

Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said the plan is for Hellebuyck to play both ends of a home-and-home with the Washington Capitals after the Winnipeg trip. He pointed to the goalie missing all of training camp and nearly the first month of the season.

Old teammates wanted the matchup

"To be honest, I didn't even think that was a possibility. I thought he was playing for sure" said Kyle Connor, who won Olympic gold with Hellebuyck for Team USA in February. Captain Adam Lowry said the players would have loved the chance to beat their friend but do not feel robbed.

Hellebuyck, a one-time Hart Trophy winner and three-time Vezina winner, spent 11 seasons in Winnipeg. He is 5-0-0 with a 1.96 goals-against average since joining New Jersey. The Jets visit the Devils on Nov. 28.