Hurricanes failed attempt to acquire Hellebuyck, Sportsnet reports

New Jersey Devils Acquire Connor Hellebuyck in Blockbuster Trade With Winnipeg Jets

The New Jersey Devils acquired three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets in a blockbuster trade finalized on Friday, ending a drawn-out spat between the goaltender and the franchise that drafted him in 2012, as reported by CBC. In exchange for the 33-year-old goaltender, Winnipeg received forward Dawson Mercer, forward Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect center Alexander Command, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick. Hellebuyck, who also captured the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2025, departs Winnipeg as the franchise leader in games played (625), starts (615), wins (345), and shutouts.

Carolina Hurricanes Attempted Blockbuster Deal Before Devils Sweepstakes

Before the trade materialized, the Carolina Hurricanes made an aggressive effort to acquire Hellebuyck by constructing a multi-team maneuver, Sportsnet reported on Saturday Headlines. According to Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman, the reigning Stanley Cup champions reached out to other clubs to identify forwards the Jets might want, intending to flip those players to Winnipeg. That framework stalled because the Jets demanded immediate forward help in return, and Carolina declined to include players such as Seth Jarvis, Logan Stankoven, or Jackson Blake in negotiations. As a result, the Hurricanes missed out on the goaltender and remain with their current tandem of Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov while holding an 8-2-2 record in the Metropolitan Division.

Winnipeg Jets Face Roster Scramble and Draft Capital Rebuild

The departure of their long-time starting goaltender forces Winnipeg to address ongoing scoring deficiencies that plagued the team during the 2025-26 season, where Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Gabriel Vilardi accounted for 40 percent of the team’s total goals. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff secured 28 draft picks over the next three years through the trade and subsequent transactions. The return brings Dawson Mercer—a three-time 20-goal scorer who tallied 20 goals and 42 points last season—alongside veteran forward Nick Bjugstad, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Prospect Alexander Command, selected 12th in the 2026 draft, continues his development in Sweden with Orebro in the Swedish Hockey League and the under-20 Nationell circuit, where he has recorded seven goals and 12 points against younger competition.

New Jersey Locker Room Reaction and Defensive Outlook

New Jersey players and coaches immediately recognized the magnitude of adding a franchise cornerstone who has faced the second-most shots in the NHL since the 2021-22 season. Defenseman Brenden Dillon, who played three seasons alongside Hellebuyck in Winnipeg from 2021 to 2024, highlighted the goaltender’s methodical approach to his daily routine. Goalie Jake Allen, who started seven of New Jersey’s first 11 games, noted the instant energy surrounding the club following the acquisition. The Devils plan to integrate Hellebuyck into a defensive infrastructure designed to elevate the team into an Eastern Conference contender.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Trade

What compensation did the Winnipeg Jets receive in the Connor Hellebuyck trade?

The Winnipeg Jets received forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect center Alexander Command, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick from the New Jersey Devils.

How many Vezina Trophies has Connor Hellebuyck won during his career?

Connor Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender three times, securing the award in the 2019-20, 2023-24, and 2024-25 seasons.

What goaltending tandem do the Carolina Hurricanes have after missing out on Hellebuyck?

The Carolina Hurricanes are rolling with a goaltending tandem of Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov, with each netminder having started six games this season, as reported by Sportsnet.

Which teams were involved in the trade discussions before New Jersey finalized the deal?

The Carolina Hurricanes attempted to broker a multi-team trade to acquire Hellebuyck by targeting forwards that Winnipeg might accept, but negotiations ended when the Hurricanes refused to trade players like Seth Jarvis, Logan Stankoven, or Jackson Blake, according to Sportsnet.

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