Devils Acquire 3-Time Vezina Winner Connor Hellebuyck from Jets

New Jersey sent Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Alexander Command, Nico Daws, and two draft picks to Winnipeg for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

The New Jersey Devils acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets on Friday in exchange for forwards Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, and Alexander Command, along with goalie Nico Daws. According to ESPN, the Jets also received a 2027 seventh-round draft pick and a 2029 second-round selection. Hellebuyck, the 2025 Hart Trophy winner, is currently in the third season of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract.

The 33-year-old netminder forfeited approximately $928,000 in salary after sitting out the start of the season following a summer trade request. His suspension for failing to report to training camp was scheduled to expire the same day the trade was announced. Sources told ESPN that Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff requested additional security for the goaltender earlier this year following physical and online safety concerns that arose after Hellebuyck helped the United States defeat Canada in the Olympic gold medal game.

Devils GM Sunny Mehta, who previously traded starting goalie Jacob Markstrom to Florida this summer, finalized the deal after negotiations gained momentum Thursday night. Following the acquisition of the three-time Vezina winner, DraftKings moved New Jersey’s Stanley Cup odds from 25-1 to 14-1. The two clubs are scheduled to meet twice in November, first in Winnipeg on Nov. 10 and again in New Jersey on Nov. 28.