I assume you are referring to Helleborus x hybridus or what is often incorrectly labeled and sold as oriental hybrids? In your climate, I'd wait and pot the seedlings up next spring or after the mother plant(s) finish blooming. Doing it now just poses storage issues for winter :-) Don't store in water - plant up in containers immediately and share with friends or donate to spring plant sales.

And most growers do cut back old foliage - generally in late winter or just as the flower buds begin to emerge from the soil. This removes the possibility of any overwintering disease or insect issues from affecting the plants, removes what is typically rather unsightly winter damaged foliage and allows a clear, unobstructed view of the flowers when they emerge. New foliar growth will be produced rapidly.