Connor Hellebuyck wastes no time, almost has shutout in electric Devils debut

Connor Hellebuyck. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Connor Hellebuyck wastes no time, almost has shutout in electric Devils debut

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 27, 2026 11:30 PM ET

Former Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck made his debut with the New Jerseys Devils on Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars.

The 33-year-old was traded to New Jersey on Oct. 23, and he didn't waste any time making a lasting impression in a Devils uniform.

The Devils defense successfully held the Stars to only six shots in the first period, and Hellebuyck stopped all six of them. They ended the first period with a 1-0 lead.

The Devils offense surged in the second period with two more goals, helping their new goaltender shine in his debut. While it appeared that Hellebuyck was on his way to chasing a shutout, Stars center Justin Hryckowian spoiled his chances.

HELLEBUYCK MAKES A BIG SAVE #NJDevils #TexasHockey #NHL https://t.co/gcMaClHhZw
— Devils Joint (@DevilsJointX) October 28, 2026

Connor Hellebuyck comes short of recording shutout in debut but earns first victory with Devils

Hellebuyck conceded his first goal as a Devil following an unlucky deflection. However, teammate and defenseman Luke Hughes' goal seconds later erased the Stars' limited momentum and provided a 4-1 lead.

Although Hellebuyck won't join Sam St. Laurent and Mike McKenna as the only two goalies who have recorded a shutout in their debuts with the Devils, his dominance still made his debut electric.

He provided a scoreless third period and the Devils added to their lead with Luke Hughes' brother Jack scoring his fourth goal of the season. New Jersey went on to defeat Dallas, 5-1, and Hellebuyck capped off his successful debut with a .941 save percentage.

He also only had to make 17 saves on 18 shots. Overall, the Devils were able to prosper in Hellebuyck's sparkling debut, and if they can continue to limit the opposition and stand tall offensively with him in net, they have a good chance to win the Metropolitan Division.

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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