[REVISION HISTORY]

Connor Hellebuyck trade request and New Jersey acquisition

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What changed

2026-10-26 00:08 UTC → 2026-10-26 19:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The trade request from Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has concluded with his acquisition by the New Jersey Devils. Following his refusal to report to training camp, the Jets suspended Hellebuyck without pay on September 17, 2026. The disciplinary suspension, issued under a clause in the Collective Bargaining Agreement for his unauthorized absence, was expected to end on October 23, 2026. By the time the suspension concluded, Hellebuyck was projected to have forfeited nearly $1 million in salary. The tension became visible at the Canada Life Centre, where photos of the goaltender were removed from the arena walls. To address the vacancy in net during the standoff, the Jets signed Stuart Skinner to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. While various teams like the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and Carolina Hurricanes were previously linked to Hellebuyck, the New Jersey Devils ultimately secured the three-time Vezina Trophy winner in a blockbuster trade. ~~During the impasse, reports indicated Hellebuyck contemplated a return to Winnipeg, having forfeited over $500,000 in salary, while the Los Angeles Kings also expressed interest in acquiring him.~~ In exchange for Hellebuyck, the Jets ~~will receive~~ received forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command (the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft), a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Hellebuyck, a 2026 U.S. Olympic gold medalist and 2025 Hart Trophy recipient, will serve as the Devils’ primary goaltender under an $8.5 million annual salary cap hit through the 2030–31 season, reuniting him with teammate Jack Hughes. Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta stated the acquisition is intended to “significantly improve the team for a postseason run.” Following the trade, Hellebuyck noted that being inactive for an extended period was difficult. Details emerged regarding failed attempts by the Carolina Hurricanes to acquire him via a three-team deal; the Hurricanes reportedly declined to include key players such as Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, or Jackson Blake in any proposal.

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