Jets Trade Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to Devils
The Winnipeg Jets send the veteran netminder to New Jersey in a four-player trade package.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Hockey
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The Winnipeg Jets have traded goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils. In exchange, the Jets receive Dawson Mercer, Alexander Command, Nick Bjugstad, and Nico Daws.
Why it matters
The deal follows a reported dispute between Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets organization. The trade reshapes the rosters for both teams as they adjust to the new lineup acquisitions.
Dawson Mercer brings over 100 career NHL goals to the Jets following this trade. Connor Hellebuyck joins the Devils after previously winning Vezina trophies and helping the St. John's Ice Caps reach the Calder Cup final.
The players
Connor Hellebuyck
He is an elite NHL goaltender who has won multiple Vezina trophies and helped lead the U.S. to Olympic gold.
Dawson Mercer
He is a professional hockey player from Bay Roberts who won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2020 World Juniors.
Winnipeg Jets
They are a professional hockey team competing in the NHL and based in Winnipeg.
New Jersey Devils
They are an NHL franchise based in New Jersey that acquired Hellebuyck in this trade.
The details
The Winnipeg Jets acquired a four-player package including forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, plus goaltender Nico Daws and Alexander Command. This move marks a significant personnel change for Winnipeg following Hellebuyck's tenure with the franchise.
Timeline
Winter 2026: Connor Hellebuyck backstopped the U.S. to Olympic gold.
2020: Dawson Mercer won gold at the World Juniors.
October 23, 2026: The Winnipeg Jets traded Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils.
Season Trajectory
This trade significantly alters the competitive balance for both franchises following Hellebuyck's success during the 2026 Olympic gold medal victory for Team USA. The move forces both teams to adjust their roster depth and defensive strategy mid-season.
The acquisition of Dawson Mercer provides the Winnipeg Jets with a proven scorer who has surpassed 100 career NHL goals. Conversely, the arrival of Connor Hellebuyck in New Jersey shifts the team's depth chart, directly impacting the rotation for their goaltending tandem.
The takeaway
This blockbuster trade demonstrates the high value placed on elite goaltending and proven scoring depth in the modern NHL. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how these players integrate into their new team systems throughout the remainder of the season.
Further reading
Find more updates on team rosters and league transactions in the Hockey section.
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