Star Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck Eager to Begin New Jersey Devils Career After Jets Trade

New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck spoke to the media on Sunday, October 25, 2026, expressing his excitement at joining his new team after a turbulent departure from the Winnipeg Jets. The 33-year-old three-time Vezina Trophy winner had been suspended by Winnipeg after failing to report to training camp, ultimately forcing Friday's trade to New Jersey. The Devils sent forward Dawson Mercer, goalie Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and injured forward Nick Bjugstad to Winnipeg in exchange. Hellebuyck, who backstopped the United States to Olympic gold at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games in February 2026 and ranks fifth among U.S.-born goalies with 345 career wins, spent his entire 11-year NHL career with the Jets. He told Devils general manager Sunny Mehta: 'I'm ready, I'm packed. I'll get in my car right now.' He will share goaltending duties with 36-year-old Jake Allen on a Devils squad that had won seven of its first eleven games of the season.