"Bro don’t feel bad at all for sitting out": NHL fans react as Connor Hellebuyck reportedly dresses up as ATM for Halloween

Connor Hellebuyck showed up to the New Jersey Devils' Halloween party in an ATM costume, and NHL fans on X were quick to connect it to the money he forfeited during his standoff with the Winnipeg Jets.

According to The Athletic's Peter Baugh, Connor Hellebuyck attended the party at a bar in Hoboken on two hours' notice. When asked about his costume, the 33-year-old goalie kept the explanation short.

“I’m going to let you guess on that one,” Hellebuyck told The Athletic.

Fans had their own theories about the outfit, with several bringing up the salary Hellebuyck lost while suspended by Winnipeg.

One user shared a screenshot of Hellebuyck's interview with The Athletic and called the costume the funniest thing they had heard, pointing to the timing after he forfeited salary during his suspension.

“hellebuyck dressing up as an ATM for halloween after forfeiting salary due to his suspension is the funniest thing i’ve ever heard”

Another fan suggested Hellebuyck had little reason to feel bad about sitting out.

“Bro don’t feel bad at all for sitting out💀”

One user imagined what it would be like to run into the 6-foot-5 goalie wearing the costume in Texas or Arizona.

“Can you imagine being in TX/AZ and a 6’5" guy walks in wearing an atm costume lmfaooooo”

Another fan had a question about what the costume might dispense.

“Does the ATM dispense gold?!?? 🥇”

One reply took a broader view of the debate around players and their contracts, arguing that Hellebuyck was being criticized despite giving up money.

“I love every time a player signs a contract they are greedy for taking everything and not leaving money on the table to sign other players. But he plays his hand gets what he wants and is an idiot for leaving money on the table.”

Connor Hellebuyck forfeited more than $927,000 during Jets standoff

The costume drew attention because of what happened before Connor Hellebuyck joined New Jersey. He forfeited $927,835.05 in salary after Winnipeg suspended him for failing to report to training camp, according to The Athletic. The suspension covered training camp and the first 24 days of the regular season, following his public trade request on Aug. 27.

Hellebuyck is in the third season of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract. The deal carries an $8.5 million average annual value and runs through the 2030-31 season. He was traded to the Devils on Oct. 23.

Connor Hellebuyck has since made his debut for New Jersey, stopping 16 of 17 shots in a 5-1 win over the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. Nico Hischier scored twice, while Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes also found the net as the Devils picked up their fourth straight win and improved to 8-4-0.

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