New Jersey Devils Acquire Olympic Gold Medalist Connor Hellebuyck

The New Jersey Devils have acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, reuniting two of the United States' Olympic hockey heroes on one roster. Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 of 42 shots against Canada in the gold medal game, will now play alongside Jack Hughes, who scored the golden goal in overtime. Together, they helped Team USA secure its first Olympic gold medal in hockey since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.

The trade marks another instance of a high-profile American star leaving a Canadian NHL team for a U.S.-based club. In June, the Ottawa Senators traded captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers to join his brother Matthew. In December, the Vancouver Canucks dealt star defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. Speculation has long persisted that Quinn Hughes, who scored an overtime winner against Sweden in the quarterfinals, intends to join his brothers in New Jersey.

The process to move Hellebuyck was complicated by public friction. The goalie went public in September with his request to leave Winnipeg, leading the Jets to suspend him for failing to report to camp. This disciplinary action extended into the season, resulting in Hellebuyck not receiving a salary during that period.

To secure the goaltender, the Devils sent center Dawson Mercer, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, forward Nick Bjugstad, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Winnipeg.

New Devils general manager Sunny Mehta stated at the opening of training camp that he was comfortable with the team's goaltending situation. Since then, Daws and Jake Allen have combined for a .880 save percentage, ranking 23rd among 32 teams. Hellebuyck brings significant accolades to the Devils, having won the Vezina Trophy three times and been named the NHL's MVP for the 2024-25 season.

Following their Olympic victory, Hellebuyck and Hughes attended the State of the Union address, where President Donald Trump announced that Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Hellebuyck also served as Team USA's goaltender during the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025.

With a regular-season record of 345-208-55, Hellebuyck ranks 27th in career wins on the NHL list and fifth among U.S.-born players. Among U.S.-born goalies with at least 300 career starts, his .916 save percentage ranks fourth and his 2.58 goals-against average ranks sixth. The Associated Press contributed to this report.