Team USA’s Olympic hockey heroes reunite as Jack Hughes’ Devils land goalie Connor Hellebuyck in blockbuster
The New Jersey Devils have acquired goalie Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, reuniting him with fellow United States Olympic gold medallist Jack Hughes. The move adds an elite goaltender to a team whose current goalies have struggled, and brings together two key figures in the USA’s first Olympic hockey gold since 1980.
Winnipeg receives centre Dawson Mercer, goalie Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, forward Nick Bjugstad and 2029 second- and 2027 seventh-round draft picks. Hellebuyck stopped 41 of 42 shots in the Olympic final and is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the NHL’s 2024-25 MVP; he had requested a trade and was suspended after failing to report to Jets training camp.
In short
- Hellebuyck joins the Devils and reunites with Jack Hughes.
- The goalie stopped 41 of 42 shots in the Olympic final.
- Winnipeg receives four players and two draft picks.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The trade gives New Jersey an elite, proven goaltender at a time when its existing options have struggled, potentially strengthening the team’s chances of competing. Reuniting Hellebuyck with Hughes also brings two celebrated Olympic team-mates together, while honouring Hellebuyck’s reported request to leave Winnipeg.
The case against
Winnipeg receives several players and draft picks, giving it a chance to rebuild depth and future value rather than lose a dissatisfied star without a return. But trading a three-time Vezina winner and reigning league MVP is a major sporting cost, and New Jersey may be paying heavily in young talent and picks for a goaltender whose impact on team success is not guaranteed.