Devils Secure Connor Hellebuyck in Blockbuster Trade
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New Jersey addresses goaltending struggles by acquiring the three-time Vezina winner from Winnipeg in a deal driven by a tight timeline.
The New Jersey Devils have acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, as Sportsnet first reported. The move comes as New Jersey looks to stabilize a position that has hindered their start to the season; despite a 6-4-0 record, the team ranks 24th in league-wide all-situations team save percentage, and netminders Nico Daws and Jake Allen rank 53rd and 60th, respectively, in Goals Saved Above Expected per MoneyPuck.com.
Sportsnet reports that the Winnipeg Jets were effectively forced into the trade on Friday, as Hellebuyck's suspension ended that day and the team was required to resume payment regardless of his return. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff secured a return consisting of first-round prospect Alexander Command, forward Dawson Mercer, injured NHLer Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, and multiple draft picks.
Devils GM Sonny Mehta previously told Arthur Staple that the goaltending position involves more unpredictability than forwards or defense when allocating resources. By acquiring Hellebuyck—a one-time Hart Trophy winner and three-time Vezina winner—the Devils are betting on a proven track record. While Hellebuyck is 33 and missed training camp, Sportsnet notes his combined .915 save percentage from 2021-22 through last season was second in the league, trailing only Igor Shesterkin.