The New Jersey Devils have acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, sources tell ESPN. While details of the trade remain unclear, sources say Hellebuyck will forfeit nearly $928,000 in salary after sitting out the beginning of the season with the Jets.
As recently as last weekend, the Jets were underwhelmed by the trade offers they had received for Hellebuyck, sources said. However, negotiations gained significant momentum Thursday night, with New Jersey emerging as a leading contender to land the star goaltender. Winnipeg had motivation to finalize the deal this weekend, as Hellebuyck's suspension for failing to report to training camp was set to expire Friday. The Jets are also hosting the Heritage Classic on Sunday and wanted the focus to stay on the event, the team and the city.
Hellebuyck, 33, requested a trade from Winnipeg this summer, saying it was in the best interest of himself and his family. Sources told ESPN that his reasons extended beyond hockey. In September, Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed the organization had requested additional security for Hellebuyck after he helped the United States defeat Canada in the gold medal game at the Winter Olympics. The Jets contacted police and took measures to address online and physical safety concerns.
Hellebuyck is one of the NHL's most decorated active goaltenders. He has won three Vezina Trophies and the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2025. He is in the third season of a seven-year contract worth $59.5 million. The Devils are led by first-year GM Sunny Mehta, formerly of the Florida Panthers, who has not shied away from bold moves, including trading last season's starter, Jacob Markstrom, to Florida this summer. Following the news, the Devils' Stanley Cup odds moved from 25-1 to 14-1, according to DraftKings.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing