Winnipeg has officially moved on from Connor Hellebuyck following a Friday trade involving the star netminder.
The Michigan-born 33-year-old is now joining the New Jersey Devils.
This deal concludes an extended and occasionally tense saga that was set in motion when Hellebuyck requested a trade during post-season exit meetings last year.
“Without a doubt, this whole situation was far from enjoyable. However, Connor ultimately decided his course of action, leaving our front office to respond as needed,” stated Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
With the exchange finalized, he noted that he intends to put the difficult period behind him and concentrate on the positive moments instead.
“He was a major member of our group, and together we achieved notable success. Even though we fell short of our ultimate objective [claiming the Stanley Cup], the positive experiences will remain,” Cheveldayoff shared with journalists on Friday, right after shipping the marquee goaltender to New Jersey in a six-player package.
“I reflected on those moments with Connor earlier today when I reached out to extend my best wishes.”
Joining Winnipeg as part of the Hellebuyck deal are attackers Dawson Mercer, Alexander Command, and Nick Bjugstad, along with goalie Nico Daws. Additionally, Winnipeg acquires New Jersey’s second-round selection in 2029 and a seventh-round choice in 2027. (Winnipeg Jets)
In exchange for Hellebuyck, Winnipeg receives forwards Dawson Mercer, Alexander Command, and Nick Bjugstad, netminder Nico Daws, plus New Jersey’s 2029 second-round draft choice and 2027 seventh-round pick.
Hellebuyck is scheduled to make his return to Winnipeg on Nov. 10, when New Jersey visits Canada Life Centre to face the Jets.
Cheveldayoff anticipates that the occasion will bring out strong emotions among the fan base.
“Still, everyone should acknowledge his achievements. We originally selected Connor Hellebuyck and took a gamble on an unrefined, lanky prospect… and he truly proved himself.”
A private flight was dispatched to fetch the newly acquired players, with Cheveldayoff anticipating their arrival Friday evening. It is not yet clear if any of them will dress for Sunday’s outdoor Heritage Classic matchup.
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff discusses the major trade sending goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey in return for six assets
The 24-year-old Mercer was selected 18th overall by New Jersey in the 2020 draft, whereas the 25-year-old Daws went in the third round (84th overall) that same year. Both players shared gold with Team Canada at the 2020 World Junior Championship.
Command, an 18-year-old taken 12th overall by New Jersey in the 2026 draft, is presently competing in Sweden’s professional league.
Bjugstad, 34, was originally a 19th overall selection by Florida back in 2010. He remains on long-term injured reserve following surgical repair of a torn chest muscle.
Cheveldayoff indicated he feels “extremely pleased” with the trade’s return, highlighting the addition of Command—a prospect Winnipeg had evaluated closely in the 2026 draft prior to selecting Viggo Björck.
Consistently scoring over 20 goals per season, Mercer possesses a skill set well-suited for Winnipeg’s lineup, with Cheveldayoff noting that at age 24, he “possesses tremendous growth potential ahead.”
“This move fills immediate gaps in our offensive core. It enhances our overall organizational depth while providing draft leverage or trade assets for future moves,” he remarked.
“Ultimately, achieving those objectives was my main priority. While I naturally preferred resolving this four or five months earlier, we’ve finally reached the resolution.”
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff remarks that he can ‘finally get some rest’ following the conclusion of the half-year saga regarding Connor Hellebuyck’s destiny. (Justin Fraser/CBC)
Although one goaltending situation has been settled, another now presents itself. The active roster currently features three “capable” goalies, a dynamic Cheveldayoff acknowledged will require further assessment.
“The agreement was finalized very recently, so we will assess things moving forward. For the time being, I will keep all three on the roster.”
Hellebuyck joins New Jersey boasting an elite track record: a three-time Vezina Trophy recipient, the 2025 Hart Trophy winner, a five-time All-Star, and an Olympic gold medalist who guided Team USA to victory in February.
With five seasons remaining on his seven-year deal at the time of his trade request, rumors circulated that the demand stemmed from online targeted abuse directed at Hellebuyck and his family following the Olympic tournament.
In addition to defeating Canada, Hellebuyck accompanied fellow players to the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom—a ceremony taking place amidst heightened cross-border tensions fueled by trade tariffs and rhetoric suggesting Canada become the 51st state.
During a September press conference, Cheveldayoff revealed that the online hostility had grown severe enough to require intervention from club security and municipal law enforcement, including extra surveillance at Hellebuyck’s home in Winnipeg.
Alternative theories suggested Hellebuyck’s desire to leave was triggered by Winnipeg’s disappointing campaign the prior year.
His contract extension in 2023 was widely viewed as a mutual pledge to construct a roster capable of contending annually for a championship.
However, Winnipeg failed to reach the 2025-26 postseason—ending a three-year playoff streak—just one season after capturing the 2024-25 Presidents’ Trophy for the NHL’s top regular-season record.
Hellebuyck openly expressed deep discontent with the outcome.
“Our performance was completely intolerable, and nobody desires to be associated with that level of play,” he stated at the time.
Cheveldayoff mentioned last month that the organization had honored Hellebuyck’s wish to handle the matter confidentially, making it a surprise when Hellebuyck made his trade request public on Aug. 27.
After he failed to report to training camp in September, Winnipeg formally issued a suspension.
Hellebuyck informed the front office on Oct. 2 of his intent to return, but Winnipeg opted to maintain the entire three-week disciplinary period instead of reinstating him right away.
The disciplinary hold was scheduled to conclude this Friday.
Cheveldayoff asserted last month that he felt no urgency to rush a deal, preferring to remain patient until an optimal proposal materialized.
He expressed to the press that he wasn’t interested in uncertain future pieces. Instead, he sought roster-ready contributors who could deliver immediate impact alongside the core players who remained committed to the franchise.
He reinforced this stance on Friday, stating, “We refused to settle simply for a draft selection and a young prospect.”
While observers might assume making an elite goalie like Hellebuyck available would prompt a bidding war, Cheveldayoff explained that the process was far more complex, noting that many executives with established starting netminders offered only words of sympathy.
“They would say, ‘Stay strong, I empathize with your situation.’ That was the common response from colleagues who enjoyed a peaceful summer, unlike the stressful off-season I endured,” Cheveldayoff shared.
He mentioned repeatedly telling Hellebuyck’s representative, “I have no power to compel rival franchises to submit proposals or dictate their timeline.
“Thankfully, I can finally get a good night’s rest.”
