Cory Schneider's last All-Star season with the Devils was a decade ago. New Jersey has not had the luxury of consistent, reliable goaltending since then.
The team does now.
According to multiple reports, including TSN's Darren Dreger, the Devils have acquired Connor Hellebuyck from the Jets in a blockbuster trade that instantly becomes the defining move of Sunny Mehta's tenure leading the organization, which is still in its infancy. Mehta, who took over from Tom Fitzgerald after last season, clearly sees something in the 6-4-0 Devils to believe that an all-in move was warranted.
Hellebuyck had requested a trade from Winnipieg, and it appears he is getting his wish. The three-time Vezina winner was suspended by the organization after not reporting to training camp, and that suspension was set to expire on Friday.
According to ESPN NHL reporters Emily Kaplan and Kevin Weekes, New Jersey is parting with iron man Dawson Mercer, goalie Nico Daws, Nick Bjugstad, this year's 12th overall pick Alexander Command, and two future draft picks. The picks are a second rounder in 2029 and a seventh rounder in 2027.
Hellebuyck, 33, is coming off a down year based on his standards, but he isn't far removed from leading the league in goals-against average in 2024-25, when he earned the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player.
Now, Hellebuyck joins a Devils team that will now be expected to at least win a playoff series for the first time since 2023, and perhaps more.
New Jersey finally has its undisputed No. 1 goaltender.
New Jersey finally has its undisputed No. 1 goaltender.
