Connor Hellebuyck Dealt to Devils
After a long, protracted standoff, it seems that the enduring saga between the Winnipeg Jets and star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck reached its final chapter.
Hellebuyck made it clear during the summer that he wanted a trade out of the City of Lights. The Jets were adamant that they weren’t interested in moving him for less than a king’s ransom. Meanwhile, when the two sides couldn’t work out something, things turned ugly. The Jets suspended Hellebuyck and it cost him $39,000 a day. As a result, he ended up forfeiting nearly $920,000 worth of salary.
Friday, Hellebuyck finally got his wish as Winnipeg traded its star goaltender.
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days Where Is Hellebuyck Going?
Hellebuyck was dealt Friday and now will be between the pipes for the New Jersey Devils. Jake Allen was the #1 netminder on the depth chart for the Devils before the deal. He was 4-2-0 with a 3.15 GAA and an .883 save percentage in six starts this season. However, he is 36 and clearly in the twilight of his career.
Hellebuyck is 33 and turns 34 next May, so he’s at least younger than Allen. One point of concern is what kind of shape he’s in since he hasn’t been around the Jets or their facility during his suspension. He is in the third year of a seven-year deal that pays him $8.5 million annually. Meanwhile, his suspension was set to expire Friday. In addition, the Jets are hosting the Heritage Classic Sunday and were intent on having the event be the focal point instead of the ongoing situation.
Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy three times in his career. He claimed the award in 2019-20, 2023-24 and 2024-25. In addition, he claimed the Hart Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player in the 2024-25 campaign. Last season, he finished 23-23-11 with a 2.86 GAA and an .895 save percentage in 57 starts. His career record is 345-208-55 with a 2.58 GAA, .916 save percentage and 45 shutouts.
What Is Winnipeg Getting in Return?
Winnipeg got a collection of pieces but it doesn’t scream, at least at first glance, a return they hoped for when they started shopping Hellebuyck. The Jets acquired Dawson Mercer, who had four assists in 10 games for the Devils. He’ll likely slot in on the third line for Winnipeg, alongside Adam Lowry and Isak Rosen. They also picked up Nick Bjugstad, who is on long-term IR with a pectoral injury.
In addition, the Jets picked up Alexander Command, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Backup goaltender Nico Daws, who was 2-2-0 with a 2.78 GAA and an .874 save percentage in four starts, goes to replace Hellebuyck. He’ll likely back up Stuart Skinner for the time being. The Jets also acquired a seventh-round selection in the 2027 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in 2029.
How Did the Deal Change Their Respective Odds?
Heading into the season, the Devils were at +2500 odds to win the Stanley Cup at DraftKings. After the deal, those odds quickly rocketed upward as they settled at +1400 as of Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Jets were at +8000 at FanDuel prior to the trade. They have since lengthened to +11000, though there are some books that have pushed out to +20000 or longer.
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Connor Hellebuyck Dealt to Devils
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