Jets' Connor Hellebuyck saga ends with trade to Devils

Connor Hellebuyck. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jets' Connor Hellebuyck saga ends with trade to Devils

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 23, 2026 12:54 PM ET

The drama between Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets is finally drawing to a close.

After months of acrimony between the two sides, both the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes were reportedly interested in acquiring Hellebuyck from Winnipeg, but another team has beaten them to the punch.

After lingering trade talk escalations involving the goaltender, the Jets and New Jersey Devils have reportedly completed a deal that will send Hellebuyck to New Jersey, per TSN's Darren Dreger.

In a return package, the Jets will acquire 25-year-old goaltender Nico Daws, forward Dawson Mercer, 2026 first-round draft pick Alexander Command, center Nick Bjugstad and two draft picks, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Hellebuyck requested a trade away from Winnipeg in the offseason, and when training camp opened up, he made the choice not to attend and was suspended.

How Connor Hellebuyck helps to fill the Devils' goaltending needs

The 33-year-old veteran goalie was drafted by the Jets in 2012 and has spent his entire 11-season career with the Jets. He has posted a 345-208-55 record with a 2.58 goals against average (GAA) with a .916 save percentage and 45 shutouts.

He has also established himself as a workhorse goaltender, which has earned him several accolades such as a Vezina Trophies (2020, 2024, 2025), a Hart Memorial Trophy (2025) and two William M. Jennings Trophies (2024, 2025).

Hellebuyck will help to fill a goaltending need for the Devils while also giving them upgraded experience. The Devils are also looking to be aggressive in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup and believe that Hellebuyck can help them become more competitive.

He also meshes well with the team's commanding offense and elite defense, and as a stabilizing force in the net, he can help them make a successful deep playoff push.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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