Connor Hellebuyck traded to NJ Devils by Jets, nhl.com reported

Connor Hellebuyck was traded to the New Jersey Devils by the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Alexander Command, Nico Daws, Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, and a pair of draft picks, ending an 11-season tenure in Winnipeg, nhl.com reported.

The Return and Roster Impact in New Jersey

The blockbuster deal brings the goaltender to a New Jersey squad. Devils general manager Sunny Mehta stated that the team is implementing a cautious, calculated plan for Hellebuyck’s return to game action. New Jersey has eight games scheduled before visiting Winnipeg on Nov. 10. Hellebuyck spent the past month skating in Michigan with NHL-calibre players Robby Fabbri and Antonio Stranges, treating the time away as a prolonged training camp.

Assets Heading to Winnipeg

Winnipeg acquired a package centered around 24-year-old center Dawson Mercer, who has recorded 213 points in 420 career games and has not missed a match in his six NHL seasons. The deal also sends goaltender Nico Daws, veteran forward Nick Bjugstad, and draft assets to the Jets. Bjugstad has not played this season due to an upper-body injury. The trade follows an offseason where the Jets signed Stuart Skinner and claimed Clay Stevenson off waivers, altering their organizational depth in the crease after losing Eric Comrie in free agency.

A Fractured Ending in Winnipeg

The trade resolves a summer-long saga that spilled into the regular season following strained relations between Hellebuyck and the franchise that drafted him in 2012. NHL analyst Jeff Marek noted on CBC News Network that the relationship deteriorated following player comments about the team’s performance last season, making a return to Winnipeg untenable. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff previously reported that harassment targeting Hellebuyck had escalated to police involvement. Hellebuyck leaves Winnipeg as the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, wins, and shutouts.

Draft Selection Disputes Blocked Sabres Trade for Hellebuyck

During an appearance on NHL Network, insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Buffalo Sabres knew well in advance that they were out of the running for Hellebuyck, despite being considered frontrunners for months. The Sabres and Jets previously held a framework for a trade leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft before negotiations stalled over draft selection swaps. That delay allowed goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to amend his no-trade list to include Winnipeg, effectively closing the door on Buffalo’s pursuit.

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