New Connor Hellebuyck problem emerges for the Devils after blockbuster trade
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Connor Hellebuyck is a Devil, but his suspension is not officially lifted, and New Jersey must clear $325K in cap hit before he counts.
Update: the situation has reportedly been resolved without issue.
The Connor Hellebuyck saga has an ending, but there's still one wrinkle left for New Jersey to iron out.
The Winnipeg Jets sent the three-time Vezina Trophy winner to the Devils on Friday, the same day his suspension for skipping training camp was set to expire.
Here's the part that matters for the books.
His suspension has not been officially lifted yet, so Hellebuyck is still carrying a $0 cap hit.
Once it ends, his full $8.5M cap hit lands on the roster.
The Devils have $8.2M in current cap space after the deal, per PuckPedia.
They'll need to clear $325K in annual cap hit before the suspension is lifted and he starts counting.
It's not a mountain, but it's a to-do item for general manager Sunny Mehta, but it's also easier said than done.
What Winnipeg got back
The Jets landed forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goalie Nico Daws, and the rights to unsigned prospect Alexander Command, the 12th overall pick in 2026.
New Jersey's own second-round pick in 2029 and seventh-round pick in 2027 also go to Winnipeg.
That's a real price, but Hellebuyck is a real difference maker.
He won both the Vezina and the Hart in 2024-25 and then helped Team USA win Olympic gold.
Why the Devils needed him
New Jersey sits at 6-4-0, and the goaltending has been shaky.
Daws and Jake Allen have combined for an .880 save percentage through 10 games.
Hellebuyck is coming off the roughest year of his career, going 23-23-11 with a .895 save percentage as the Jets missed the playoffs.
The 33-year-old is signed through 2030-31 and holds a full no-movement clause.
His debut date is unclear, though the Devils visit Winnipeg on Nov. 10.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Connor Hellebuyck officially traded to the Devils with full return haul revealed
Connor Hellebuyck officially traded to the Devils with full return haul revealed