Devils add Vezina winner Hellebuyck to boost playoff prospects

New Jersey completed a trade for veteran goaltender Connor Hellebuyck on Oct. 23, signing him through the 2030-31 season. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2025 Hart Trophy recipient, had not played this season after a suspension for missing training camp with the Jets. The Devils did not give up any of their core forwards or defensemen, sending backup netminder Nico Daws to Winnipeg as part of the deal.

Since the 2022-23 season, Hellebuyck has ranked among the league leaders in wins (third with 144), save percentage (.916, tied for first) and goals-against average (second at 2.43). He also posted career highs in wins (47) and shutouts (eight) in 2024-25 and led the NHL in quality starts during the puck-tracking era. New Jersey, which had struggled with high-danger save percentages and overall team save percentage, hopes his arrival will raise those numbers.

The Devils have shown strong possession statistics, leading the league in 5-on-5 shot-attempt percentage (59.6) and ranking in the top ten for high-danger, mid-range and long-range shots. Their offensive core includes center Jack Hughes, who posted 11 points in his first ten games, and defenseman Luke Hughes, who ranks among the league leaders in skating distance and speed bursts.

Analysts note that the combination of Hellebuyck’s elite goaltending metrics and the team’s possession profile could position New Jersey to challenge the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes for the Metropolitan Division title. The Devils last advanced past a playoff round in 2022-23 and reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2011-12.

Hellebuyck is slated to make his season debut for New Jersey on the road against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.