Connor Hellebuyck set for New Jersey Devils debut against Dallas Stars

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is scheduled to make his debut for the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed the 33-year-old will start in net, marking his return to the NHL after missing the first month of the season following a trade from the Winnipeg Jets.

Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and recent Hart Trophy recipient, was traded to New Jersey after a suspension by Winnipeg for failing to report to training camp. While expressing excitement about joining a skilled group in New Jersey, Hellebuyck declined to comment on the specifics of his departure from Winnipeg, stating, “No, I’m not ready yet. The time will be right.”

The debut comes at a critical time for both teams. The Devils are looking to build on a recent winning streak, while the Stars enter the matchup on a five-game winning streak. Hellebuyck joins the Devils with five seasons remaining on a seven-year contract carrying an annual salary cap hit of $8.5 million.