The New Jersey Devils made a major move in goal on Friday, acquiring Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets in a trade that sends Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Command and goaltender Nico Daws to Winnipeg.
Trade timeline
- The Devils completed a Friday deal for Hellebuyck, adding one of the league’s established starting goaltenders.
- Winnipeg received forward Dawson Mercer, veteran center Nick Bjugstad, Command and Nico Daws in return.
- New Jersey’s side of the trade is built around stabilizing the crease with Hellebuyck as its new top option.
- The Jets add Mercer as the headline skater in the return, while Bjugstad, Command and Daws give the club additional roster and organizational pieces.
What it means for New Jersey
The Devils have paid a significant price to address the most important position on the ice. Hellebuyck arrives with the expectation that he will carry the bulk of the workload and give New Jersey a proven presence in net.
Mercer’s departure removes a young forward from the Devils’ group, while Bjugstad also exits their center depth. Still, the club’s decision is clear: New Jersey is prioritizing certainty in goal.
What Winnipeg gains
For the Jets, the trade brings back Mercer, Bjugstad, Command and Daws rather than keeping Hellebuyck in Winnipeg. Mercer is the central player in the package, with Bjugstad adding experience and Daws providing another goaltending asset.
The deal reshapes both clubs immediately. New Jersey has its new No. 1 goaltender, while Winnipeg turns a franchise goalie into multiple pieces for its roster and future depth.
