The New Jersey Devils have acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, sources tell ESPN.
While details of the trade are still unclear, sources tell ESPN that Hellebuyck will forfeit nearly $928,000 in salary after sitting out the beginning of the season with the Jets.
As recently as last weekend, the Jets were underwhelmed by the trade offers they had received for Hellebuyck, sources said. However, negotiations gained significant momentum Thursday night, with New Jersey emerging as a leading contender to land the star goaltender.
The Jets had motivation to get the deal done this weekend, as Hellebuyck's suspension for failing to report to training camp was set to expire Friday. In addition, Winnipeg is hosting the Heritage Classic on Sunday and wants the focus to be on the event, the team and the city and not on any drama surrounding Hellebuyck.
Hellebuyck, 33, requested a trade from Winnipeg this summer, saying it was in the best interest for him and his family, with sources telling ESPN that Hellebuyck's reasons for wanting out of Winnipeg extended beyond hockey.
In September, Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed that the organization had requested additional security for Hellebuyck after he helped the United States defeat Canada in the gold medal game at the Winter Olympics and returned to Winnipeg. The Jets contacted police and took measures to address online and physical safety concerns.
Hellebuyck is one of the NHL's most decorated active goaltenders. He has won three Vezina Trophies and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2025. He is in the third season of a seven-year contract worth $59.5 million.
The Devils are led by first-year GM Sunny Mehta, who was previously in the front office of the Florida Panthers. Mehta has not been shy of making bold moves, including trading last season's starting goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, to Florida this summer.
The Devils' Stanley Cup odds moved from 25-1 to 14-1 following the news that Connor Hellebuyck was acquired by the team, according to DraftKings odds.