New York (AFP) – Connor Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s top goaltender, was traded Friday from the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils after being suspended since the season began. The 33-year-old American, who backstopped the United States to Winter Olympic gold in Italy last February, won a Hart Trophy as the NHL Most Valuable Player during his 11 seasons in Winnipeg.
The Jets had suspended Hellebuyck on September 16 after he failed to report for training camp following a trade request before the season began. The ban was due to end on Friday. Hellebuyck, voted top goalie in 2020, 2024, and in 2025 when he also won the MVP award, was exchanged for forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goalie Nico Daws, the rights to forward Alexander Command, and two NHL Draft picks.
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In 2025, the Jets led the NHL in regular-season points. Hellebuyck went 47-12 with three overtime losses, an NHL-best 2.00 goals-against average, a .925 save percentage, and a league-high eight shutouts in 63 games. The Jets missed the playoffs last season, and Hellebuyck was 23-23-11 with a 2.86 GAA and an .895 save percentage, which was the worst of his NHL career.
This season marks the third campaign of a seven-year contract worth $59.5 million that Hellebuyck signed in 2023. The Jets started the 2026-27 campaign 4-3-3 with Stuart Skinner as goalie, while the Devils began the season 6-4.
© 2024 AFP
