Goalie Connor Hellebuyck traded to New Jersey Devils as Jets begin season without him
Winnipeg Jets traded star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils for forward Nathan Mercer, goaltender Daniil Daws, forward Nick Bjugstad and draft picks, ending Hellebuyck's pending return after a suspension.
The Winnipeg Jets sent veteran goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils on the day his suspension, which began on Sept. 16, was set to expire. In exchange, the Jets received forward Nathan Mercer, goaltender Daniil Daws, forward Nick Bjugstad and several draft selections.
Hellebuyck, who won the Hart and Vezina trophies in 2024-25 and helped Team USA secure gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, had requested a trade before training camp. "I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options," he said in an Aug. 27 statement released by his agent. "With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed. I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family."
The Jets, who missed the playoffs last season, started the campaign 4-3-3 without Hellebuyck. Backup goaltender Stuart Skinner has posted a 2.67 GAA and .912 save percentage in seven games, while newly claimed net-minder Clay Stevenson has a 3.08 GAA and .893 save percentage in three starts.
"We focus on the group we have here," Jets captain Adam Lowry said on Oct. 17. "Guys are excited to be here. We want to win a Stanley Cup here and improve every day."
Coach Scott Arniel added, "At the end of the day for me, I've got 23 guys and all they care about is winning hockey games. My preparation, my thoughts, are on that. I'm not worried about who is here and who is not here."
Hellebuyck leaves as the franchise leader in games played, wins and shutouts. His debut for the Devils is pending; New Jersey is scheduled to play in Winnipeg on Nov. 10.
The Devils, currently 6-4-0, have been rotating Jake Allen and Daniil Daws in goal. Mercer, a 24-year-old center, has recorded 42 points last season and has never missed a game in his six NHL seasons. Bjugstad, out with an upper-body injury, has contributed nine points in 61 games last year. The trade also includes a 2026 first-round pick, Command, who is playing in Sweden's junior league.