Jets Trade Hellebuyck to New Jersey

The Winnipeg Jets officially traded goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils on Friday. The transaction ends a period of public friction between the star player and the organization. In exchange for the goaltender, Winnipeg received a package including centre Dawson Mercer, goalie Nico Daws, centre Alexander Command, centre Nick Bjugstad, a 2029 second round pick, and a 2027 seventh round pick.

General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff stated that the club is comfortable with the acquisition. He noted that the organization wished the move had occurred earlier in the season. Hellebuyck, who was drafted by Winnipeg in 2012, won three Vezina Trophies and the Hart Trophy during his tenure. His career record includes 345 wins, 45 shutouts, a 2.58 goals-against average, and a .916 save percentage across 625 games. He also helped Team U.S.A. win the Olympic gold medal this year.

Mercer, 24, has played his entire professional career for the Devils. He recorded 20 goals and 22 assists last season. His career high occurred in 2022-23 with 27 goals and 29 assists. Cheveldayoff expects Mercer to play a different role in Winnipeg than he did in New Jersey. The general manager said Mercer will play alongside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. Daws, 25, has served as a backup for New Jersey and currently has a 2.78 goals-against average in four games this season.

Command, 18, was selected 12th overall by the Devils in the 2026 draft. The Swedish centre has seven goals and five assists in six junior games this year. Bjugstad, 34, is recovering from surgery on a torn left pectoral muscle. His recovery is expected to take four to six months. He had six goals and nine assists in 61 games last season while splitting time between New Jersey and St. Louis.

Hellebuyck requested a trade privately at the end of last season. He made the request public in August, two years after signing a seven-year contract extension. He did not report to training camp as scheduled, leading to a suspension that was set to lift on October 23. Cheveldayoff said the organization acted in accordance with the player's wishes. TSN reporter Danielle Bain noted that players and staff were tired of discussing the situation. She said fans are also eager for the chapter to close.

The Devils are scheduled to visit Winnipeg on November 10. Hellebuyck will return to Canada Life Centre for that matchup. Cheveldayoff acknowledged that fans will have mixed emotions during the visit. He urged supporters to appreciate what Hellebuyck accomplished for the team. The Jets currently have three active goalies on their roster. Cheveldayoff said the club needs time to determine its goaltending strategy for the remainder of the season.