Hellebuyck makes a deal with the Devils

After months of speculation, a trade has finally materialized for the Jets’ discontented netminder Connor Hellebuyck. Let’s take a quick look at the trade details, which were reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger and Pierre LeBrun.

New Jersey Devils Receive:
Connor Hellebuyck (G)

Winnipeg Jets Receieve:
Nico Daws (G)
Dawson Mercer (C, RW)
Alexander Command (C)
Nick Bjugstad (C, RW)
2029 2nd round pick
2027 7th round pick

For Winnipeg, they acquire a wealth of young depth in Alexander Command (age 18) in Dawson Mercer (age 24), as well as, a young goalie in Nico Daws who we can expect to immediately compete for the Jets’ No.2 netminder job (currently held by the unproven Clay Stevenson). Daws, 25, hasn’t played in more than 6 games in a single season since 2023-24, but has split starts with Jake Allen for the Devils thus far in 2026 and holds a 2-2 record through 4 appearances alongside a 2.78 GAA and .860 SV%. The native of Germany is still an unknown quantity at this stage of his development, but was named the OHL Goaltender of the Year in 2019-20 after leading the OHL in save percentage. He ended up getting drafted by the Devils in the third round of the 2020 NHL entry draft, following his successful OHL campaign. Winnipeg would love nothing more than for Daws to turn into a reliable option in net, but fantasy managers shouldn’t expect him to take over the No.1 gig from Stuart Skinner anytime soon. In fact, this trade shows more about what they think about Skinner’s performance (3-1-3 record, 2.67 GAA, .912 SV%) than what they think about Daws’ potential. For fantasy managers, it should be noted that this trade further bolsters Skinner’s grip on the crease in Winnipeg.

For New Jersey, well, they acquire the only active three time winner of the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender. Hellebuyck is a gold medal winner, Harty Trophy winner (awarded to the league’s Most Valuable Player), and future hall of famer who will be welcomed to New Jersey as a savior. For fantasy managers, the wait may finally be over, however, we may have to temper our expectations, at least initially. After all, a look at Andrei Vasilevskiy’s injury shortened season in 2023-24 highlights just how impactful missing the start of a season can be for a goaltender, even an elite one. While Vasi was able to reach the 30 win plateau that year, his 2.90 GAA and .900 SV% were the worst marks of his career and he was noticeably challenged by jumping right into regular season action after missing training camp and the first two months of the season. Hellebuyck, like Vasilevskiy, will be given an incredibly long leash and his handle on the starter’s net will not be questioned, however, following a down year in which the 33-year-old accumulated just 23 wins and provided a shaky 2.86 GAA and .895 SV%, he may not exactly bounce right back to his previous Vezina form. While this may be a hot take, savvy fantasy owners may be better suited flipping Hellebuyck for assets, now that his destination is known and his name is trending. 30 wins may still be on the table this year, but remember that Jacob Markstom struggled in the Devils’ system just last season and ended up with an unsightly 3.07 GAA and .883 SV% through 44 games. Still, for the fantasy managers that drafted Hellebuyck, give yourself a pat on the back because at least he will play again this season.

Goalies whose fantasy outlook this helps
Connor Hellebuyck
Stuart Skinner

Goalies whose fantasy outlook this hurts
Nico Daws
Clay Stevenson

Thanks for reading! My name is Garrett Finlay and you can follow me on X @garrett_fi51284 and on Bluesky @garrettfinlay.bsky.social where I am often talking goalies and fantasy hockey. You can also find me providing injury news and updates every Wednesday on Dobber Hockey. I’ll be back here next Thursday to try to breakdown the night’s goaltending slate, so until then - Happy Hockeying and good luck out there!