Connor Hellebuyck has been traded from the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils in a significant deal that concludes a months-long standoff between the goaltender and his former team. The trade, finalized on Friday, sends Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the NHL’s 2024-25 Most Valuable Player, to New Jersey in exchange for a package including forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, and multiple draft picks—a 2027 seventh-rounder and a 2029 second-round pick.
The 33-year-old goaltender, who spent his entire 11-year professional career with the Jets after being drafted in the fifth round in 2012, publicly requested a trade earlier this offseason. This followed a series of events including his suspension by Winnipeg for failing to report to training camp on September 16, a suspension lifted just prior to the trade. Hellebuyck’s agent confirmed the trade request in late August, emphasizing the player’s desire to move on for both professional and family reasons. Hellebuyck missed all of training camp and the initial 24 days of the season, forfeiting nearly $928,000 in salary during the standoff.
The Jets had resisted moving their star goaltender unless they received a return commensurate with his status as one of the league’s top players. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff noted that the organization sought a fair offer reflecting Hellebuyck’s value and that the trade discussions were intense. Winnipeg reportedly entertained offers throughout the offseason and came close to a deal with Buffalo before ultimately agreeing on the terms with New Jersey.
For the Devils, acquiring Hellebuyck represents a major move to bolster their goaltending, positioning him as the clear starter behind coach Sheldon Keefe, with veteran Jake Allen expected to serve as a backup. Hellebuyck joins a team that includes U.S. Olympic teammate Jack Hughes, with whom he won gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, highlighted by his standout 41-save performance in an overtime victory against Canada.
Hellebuyck is currently in the third year of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension with an average annual value of $8.5 million. His achievements include two Jennings Trophies for fewest goals allowed and the Hart Trophy as league MVP for the 2024-25 season. Despite missing training camp, the Devils anticipate that Hellebuyck will soon regain full game shape and provide stability and leadership in net as the team pursues Stanley Cup aspirations.
The trade also marks a significant moment for the Jets, who have moved on from their long-time cornerstone netminder as they build their roster around new goaltending options. Winnipeg recently signed goalie Stuart Skinner and claimed Clay Stevenson off waivers, resulting in the team achieving one of the NHL’s best save percentages early in the season.
Hellebuyck’s departure coincides with an upcoming Heritage Classic game in Winnipeg against the Montreal Canadiens, an outdoor event expected to draw a large crowd, underscoring the end of an era for the Jets’ franchise and fans.