The New Jersey Devils just dropped a bomb on Friday, snagging three-time Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck from the Jets in a blockbuster deal. This is no ordinary netminder; Hellebuyck, who made history in 2025 as the first goalie since Carey Price in 2014 to bag Hart Trophy honors, formally requested a trade this offseason and even got a suspension from Winnipeg that cost him nearly $900,000. Yeah, things were wild.
The Devils Take a Massive Swing
New Jersey has been stuck in purgatory, plain and simple, since their 52-win season back in 2022-23. They’ve missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, and let’s be real, the crease has been a huge part of the problem. Since the 2023-24 season kicked off, Devils goalies have put up a combined -16.9 goals saved above average. That’s rough, especially when Jake Allen and Nico Daws have been grinding it out for them. Sure, Hellebuyck had one of the toughest years of his career in 2025-26, and his stock might’ve dipped a bit compared to his absolute best campaigns in Winnipeg. But even at his “worst,” his numbers still blow Allen and Daws out of the water.
Devils GM Sunny Mehta went for it, taking a huge swing on a guy who’s arguably one of the best netminders of his generation. It cost them, big time. New Jersey gave up the rights to some of their top assets, and they’re on the hook for the rest of Hellebuyck’s seven-year, $59.5 million extension, which was inked before the 2024-25 season. So, Winnipeg is off the hook for his game checks until he’s 38. That’s a major gamble. But when Hellebuyck is dialed in, there’s literally no better goaltender in the league. He’s ranked second in wins (345), goals-against average (2.58), and save percentage (.916) since he hit the league in 2015. He’s also second in goals saved above average (166.7), fourth in GA%- among goalies with over 300 starts (91), fourth in quality start percentage, and first in goalie point shares. The guy is elite, even if his last three playoff runs left a little to be desired. He wanted New Jersey, New Jersey wanted him. They made it happen. That’s why the Devils are walking away with an A- grade on this deal.
Winnipeg Makes the Best of a Tough Spot
On the flip side, the Jets were in a tricky spot after Hellebuyck’s trade request and subsequent suspension. They endured a brutal final season with him in 2025-26, where he posted some of the worst numbers of his career, and the team missed the playoffs. Knowing they had to move him, Winnipeg managed to get something decent back for their star. They’re getting F Dawson Mercer, F Alexander Command, and G Nico Daws. It’s a solid return for a player who clearly wanted out, earning them a B+ grade.
Now, the pressure is on Hellebuyck to stop the rot in New Jersey. Can he rediscover that Hart Trophy form? The Devils desperately need him to. Everyone’s eyes will be on him as he starts this new chapter.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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