Devils acquire Connor Hellebuyck from Jets in blockbuster goaltender trade

The New Jersey Devils have acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets in a blockbuster trade that ends the three-time Vezina Trophy winner’s 11-season stay in Manitoba, the teams announced on Friday. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/devils-acquire-g-connor-hellebuyck-jets-multiple-players-picks—flm-2026-10-23/)

In return, Winnipeg receives forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command — whom New Jersey selected 12th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft — plus the Devils’ own second-round pick in 2029 and seventh-round pick in 2027. (https://www.nhl.com/news/connor-hellebuyck-traded-to-new-jersey-devils-from-winnipeg-jets)

The deal landed on the day Hellebuyck’s team-imposed suspension for failing to report to training camp was scheduled to end; the suspension began on 16 September. (https://www.nhl.com/news/connor-hellebuyck-traded-to-new-jersey-devils-from-winnipeg-jets)

Hellebuyck, 33, had requested a trade during the summer. “Several months ago, I privately requested a trade,” he said in a statement on 27 August. “My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.” (https://www.reuters.com/sports/devils-acquire-g-connor-hellebuyck-jets-multiple-players-picks—flm-2026-10-23/)

The American backstopped Team USA to Olympic gold at the Milan Cortina 2026 Games with 41 saves in a 2-1 overtime final win over Canada, and won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2024-25 alongside his third Vezina. He is in the third season of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract carrying an $8.5 million average annual value, with a full no-movement clause. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/devils-acquire-g-connor-hellebuyck-jets-multiple-players-picks—flm-2026-10-23/) (https://www.nhl.com/news/connor-hellebuyck-traded-to-new-jersey-devils-from-winnipeg-jets)

Hellebuyck is the franchise leader for the Jets/Atlanta Thrashers in games played (625), wins (345) and shutouts (45). (https://www.nhl.com/news/connor-hellebuyck-traded-to-new-jersey-devils-from-winnipeg-jets)