Hellebuyck Traded to New Jersey Devils
The prolonged negotiation between the Winnipeg Jets and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has concluded, with the Vezina-winning goalie being traded to the New Jersey Devils. This deal brings a substantial return for the Jets, including mid-tier players, a promising prospect, and several draft picks.
Incoming Players to New Jersey Devils
For the Jets, the centerpiece of this trade is Alexander Command. Selected as the No. 12 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, Command is viewed as a center with considerable growth potential; he might evolve into a solid second-line player. It’s a bit uncertain if he has that first-line caliber, but he’s certainly a noteworthy prospect developing in Sweden. This season, Command has showcased his talent with Örebro HK U20, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in just six games. Consequently, the 18-year-old has been called up to Örebro HK’s senior team, but he’s yet to make his mark on the scoresheet during limited playtime.
Dawson Mercer, another asset in the trade, is a dependable back-six forward. At 24 years old, he hasn’t quite reached his full potential since being selected in the first round by the Devils in 2020, so there’s hope that the Jets might help him develop further.
Nico Daws is set to step in as Hellebuyck’s replacement in goal. While he’s an adequate backup goalie, he may not be anything extraordinary—unless Winnipeg can tap into abilities he’s yet to showcase.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this trade is the Devils’ intentions. There’s a clear motivation to keep Jack Hughes satisfied, and acquiring Hellebuyck likely forms part of a broader strategy. This could involve pursuing a big-name deal to team up the Hughes brothers or possibly making moves reminiscent of the Florida Panthers’ approach to strengthen their lineup. The Minnesota Wild’s potential interest in Jack Hughes adds another layer to this, as the Devils are aiming to assert themselves as the better option for the Hughes family.
If the Devils manage to orchestrate a reunion between the Hughes brothers thanks to their new goaltender, this could mark a pivotal moment for the franchise’s future. However, if things don’t unfold as hoped and Jack Hughes requests a trade, it might leave the team with a hefty investment in a top-tier goalie without the structural support to win around him.
In short, this could be just the beginning, so keep an eye on how this situation develops.
