Devils acquire Connor Hellebuyck as Winnipeg trade standoff ends

Connor Hellebuyck is heading to the New Jersey Devils after the Winnipeg Jets traded the goaltender on Friday, October 23. The move, reported by the Guardian, ends a dispute that had kept him away from Winnipeg's training camp and brings a three-time Vezina Trophy winner to New Jersey.

Watch the highlights:

Winnipeg's return includes forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws and prospect Alexander Command. The Jets also receive New Jersey's second-round selection in the 2029 draft and a seventh-round pick in 2027. The package combines players with future draft assets as Winnipeg parts with the goalie who had spent his entire NHL career there.

Hellebuyck made his wish to leave public on August 27, although the request itself came earlier. According to Associated Press reporting, a statement released through his agent, Ray Petkau, said he had privately sought a trade several months beforehand. He explained that he had given the organization time to consider its options before confirming his position as training camp approached.

The disagreement subsequently led to a suspension when Hellebuyck did not report for camp in September. AP reported that Winnipeg initially did not specify how long that suspension would last. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff had acknowledged before the June draft that he was listening to offers, without at that stage confirming that Hellebuyck had requested a move.

The 33-year-old leaves after 11 NHL seasons with the Jets. Reporting by Eric Cruikshank carried by Yahoo Sports noted that Winnipeg reached the playoffs in seven of those seasons, with its deepest run ending in the 2018 Western Conference final against Vegas. Hellebuyck is in the third season of a seven-year contract carrying an annual salary-cap charge of $8.5 million, so the move involves a long-term commitment rather than an expiring deal.

His record includes the 2025 Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player as well as his three awards as the league's best goaltender. He also helped the United States win Olympic gold in February, making 41 saves in the overtime final against Canada. In New Jersey, he joins Jack Hughes, who scored the winning goal in that Olympic final.