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The Winnipeg Jets have agreed to trade goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils, bringing an end to a protracted saga that began at the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL season. According to multiple reports, the Devils are sending goaltender Nico Daws, forward Dawson Mercer, and 2026 first-round draft pick Alexander Command to Winnipeg in exchange for the 33-year-old netminder.
The timing of the deal is notable, as Hellebuyck's suspension—which has cost him nearly $930,000—was scheduled to conclude on Friday. Additionally, the Jets are set to host the Heritage Classic against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night and reportedly did not want the situation to overshadow the outdoor event.
Hellebuyck made his trade request public in August, releasing a statement that confirmed he had privately asked for a move months earlier and believed a departure from Winnipeg was "the best path forward for me and my family." However, a trade did not materialize during the offseason. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff reportedly did not receive an offer that he deemed worthy of a three-time Vezina Trophy winner.
"My obligation is to the Winnipeg Jets. I just want to get this right," Cheveldayoff told reporters at the start of training camp.
Complicating matters was Hellebuyck's contract, which carries an $8.5 million salary cap hit and runs through the 2030-31 season, and includes a full no-move clause that he had to waive in order to facilitate the trade.
The Jets originally selected Hellebuyck in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft. The franchise failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season and has advanced beyond the second round only once since relocating from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011.
In addition to his three Vezina Trophies, Hellebuyck is a three-time NHL First-team All-Star, the 2024-25 Hart Trophy winner as league MVP, and backstopped the United States to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Winnipeg has started the 2026-27 season with a 5-4-1 record, relying on Stuart Skinner—who signed with the team in free agency—as the No. 1 goaltender in Hellebuyck's absence. Skinner is 3-1-3 in seven starts and has a .909 even-strength save percentage.
Hellebuyck will face his former team on Nov. 10 when the Devils travel to Winnipeg.
Key Analysis
The trade marks the end of an era for the Jets, who drafted and developed Hellebuyck into one of the league's elite goaltenders. His departure leaves a significant void in Winnipeg's crease, though the return package offers a mix of immediate NHL talent in Mercer and Daws, plus a future first-round pick. For the Devils, acquiring a proven Vezina-caliber goaltender signals a clear win-now move, as they bolster their roster with a player who has consistently performed at an elite level. The fact that Hellebuyck waived his no-move clause underscores his desire for a fresh start, and the Nov. 10 matchup in Winnipeg will undoubtedly be a emotional reunion.
Originally reported by yahoo.