Connor Hellebuyck is back in an NHL room, and the Devils are taking their time before putting their new No. 1 into a game. New Jersey acquired the three-time Vezina Trophy winner from Winnipeg on Friday, then watched him join the club at Prudential Center a day later with one clear target: the Stanley Cup that is still absent from his resume.
- Hellebuyck, 33, has yet to appear in an NHL game this season after staying away from Winnipeg’s training camp following an offseason trade request.
- The Devils obtained Hellebuyck for forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, unsigned forward Alexander Command’s rights, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
- Coach Sheldon Keefe said Hellebuyck will be assessed by the medical staff before the club sets his Devils debut date.
- Hellebuyck trained in Michigan during his time away, skating with free-agent forwards Robby Fabbri and Antonio Stranges. He described the stretch as an extended camp focused on sharpening his details.
- Jake Allen, 36, remains in the Devils crease. Once Hellebuyck is cleared, the two veterans will form New Jersey’s goaltending tandem.
- New Jersey is 7-4-0 after Saturday’s 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings.
- Hellebuyck arrives after 11 seasons with the Jets. He owns franchise records for goalie games played (625), starts (615), victories (345) and shutouts (45), including Atlanta Thrashers history.
- He won the Vezina in 2020, 2024 and 2025, and took the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2024-25.
- Hellebuyck already knows Devils center Jack Hughes from Team USA and offseason skates. The pair won Olympic gold in Milan in February, where Hellebuyck went 5-0 with a 1.18 goals-against average and .956 save percentage.
- New Jersey will return to Winnipeg on Nov. 10. Hellebuyck postponed a full farewell to Jets fans until after Winnipeg’s Heritage Classic against Montreal on Sunday.
What it means for the Dallas trip
The Devils open a three-game road swing Tuesday against the Dallas Stars, but Hellebuyck’s availability remains unsettled. Keefe said the goalie has followed a serious training plan and appears to be in a good place physically, though the club wants its staff to complete its evaluation before naming a start.
Hellebuyck does not expect a long runway once he gets into full NHL practices. He said an experienced player has to adjust quickly, and he believes his game fits a roster he views as skilled, structured and strong on the blue line.
The immediate workload belongs to Allen unless the evaluation changes that picture. Longer term, New Jersey has added a goalie who can carry starts while also bringing a veteran voice to a young dressing room. Hellebuyck said the job in the crease is simple—stop the puck—but noted that he and Allen can also help guide the room.
For general manager Sunny Mehta, the deal is another statement of intent. New Jersey has missed the playoffs 11 times in the past 14 seasons and has not lifted the Cup since 2003. Mehta said every move is aimed at improving the club and getting a championship back to New Jersey.
Hellebuyck approved the Devils as a destination under his no-trade protection because he sees scoring talent, defensive size and an organization willing to push for a title. He said winning is his priority, with a Cup the final major achievement he wants to add.
The goalie also steps into a franchise long defined by Martin Brodeur, now the Devils’ executive vice president of hockey operations. Brodeur backstopped New Jersey to Cups in 1995, 2000 and 2003. Hellebuyck said he intends to respect that legacy and hopes to learn from the Hall of Fame netminder.
His Winnipeg chapter is not quite closed emotionally. Hellebuyck said he has much more to say to the city and its fans, but did not want to pull attention from Sunday’s outdoor game. His message for now was straightforward: he cares about the people he leaves behind.
