Jets Trade Hellebuyck to Devils as Suspension Ends

Key points

• Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina winner and 2024-25 Hart Trophy winner, was traded to the Devils on Friday, the day his suspension was set to expire.
• Winnipeg received forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goalie Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
• Hellebuyck had requested a trade in August and was suspended after failing to report to training camp, costing him $925,000 in salary.
• The Jets are 4-3-3 without Hellebuyck, relying on Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson, while the Devils had a .876 team save percentage.
• Hellebuyck is under a seven-year, $59.5 million contract with a no-movement clause, which influenced the trade dynamics.

Background

Hellebuyck's departure follows a contentious offseason where he publicly requested a trade in August after a disappointing 2025-26 season where the Jets missed the playoffs. The Jets suspended him in September for missing camp, leading to stalled negotiations. Earlier reports indicated the Jets sought a top-six forward return, and Carolina was a suitor, but the Devils ultimately acquired him. The trade resolves the suspension and allows Hellebuyck to join a team seeking playoff contention.

How outlets are covering it

NHL.com and theScore emphasize the trade's timing with the suspension's end and the assets exchanged. Bleacher Report highlights Hellebuyck's no-movement clause and the Jets' downgrade in goaltending, noting his candid exit interview about complacency. theScore adds that the Jets felt offers were poor until Thursday night, while NHL.com details the Jets' current roster and upcoming Heritage Classic. All sources agree on the core deal but differ on emphasis: NHL.com focuses on Hellebuyck's legacy and the Jets' current performance, Bleacher Report on the trade's impact and Hellebuyck's leverage, and theScore on the negotiation timeline and cap implications.

Why it matters

The trade reshapes the Jets' rebuild, giving them young forwards and draft picks, while the Devils secure a top-tier goalie to address their weak save percentage. It resolves a high-profile dispute and impacts both teams' playoff prospects, with the Jets facing a significant goaltending downgrade and the Devils gaining a star to stabilize their net.

What to watch

The Devils will activate Hellebuyck after clearing $325,000 in cap space, with his debut possibly against the Jets on Nov. 10. The Jets will continue with Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson, and Hellebuyck's no-movement clause may affect future transactions. The trade's impact on both teams' playoff chances will be monitored as the season progresses.