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Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck to Devils for Mercer

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 10:41 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Hellebuyck Traded

The Winnipeg Jets traded goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils on Friday.
Winnipeg received forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, plus goalie Nico Daws.
The Jets also acquired prospect Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
Hellebuyck, who requested a trade in August, was suspended for missing camp, forfeiting $925,000.

Summary

Jets Seek Security

Jets requested extra security for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck after his Olympic gold celebration.
Winnipeg police were contacted to address online and physical threats targeting Hellebuyck.
Sunny Mehta said he was hesitant to spend heavily on goaltending before acquiring Hellebuyck.

Summary

Devils Face Cap Crunch

The Devils have about $8.2 million cap space before counting Connor Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million salary.
Hellebuyck’s contract adds a $1.65 million net hit, forcing New Jersey to shed roughly $325,000.
New Jersey’s team save percentage is .880, placing them in the league’s lower third.
The club controls 59.74 % of 5-on-5 shots, second only to Carolina’s 59.79 %.

History

Historical Context

The 2005 NHL lockout ended with the league instituting a hard salary cap, capping team payroll at $39 million per season. Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL Board set the cap after the 2004-05 season, forcing franchises like the New Jersey Devils to manage $8.2 million remaining space. Today, Winnipeg Jets’ trade of star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, whose $8.5 million contract exceeds the Devils’ cap, mirrors the post-lockout emphasis on financial balance. The precedent shows teams must juggle talent and fiscal limits, prompting security measures for high-profile players and strategic roster reshaping.

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Hellebuyck Traded

The Winnipeg Jets traded goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils on Friday.
Winnipeg received forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, plus goalie Nico Daws.
The Jets also acquired prospect Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
Hellebuyck, who requested a trade in August, was suspended for missing camp, forfeiting $925,000.

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