Connor Hellebuyck has been traded

Connor Hellebuyck has finally been traded to New Jersey after months of speculation with his time as a Winnipeg Jet coming to a tumultuous end.

Elliotte Friedman reported earlier on Friday that the Connor Hellebuyck saga was coming to an end as the New Jersey Devils were a team working on a potential Hellebuyck deal, but no further details were revealed regarding any players or pieces being exchanged:

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Pierre LeBrun also confirmed that there was a deal in the works between New Jersey and Winnipeg but there were still some big issues to work out before anything is finalized:

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That deal is now officially completed as per TSN's Darren Dreger, with Kevin Weekes and David Pagnotta revealing the pieces exchanged as the details roll in.

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The Jets are acquiring both Nico Daws and Dawson Mercer, as well as Alexander Command, Nick Bjugstad and two draft picks one reportedly being a first-rounder:

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It was also revealed that this may be a bigger trade as a third team may end up being involved as Jets beat writer Mike McIntyre reported but so far that has not been the case:

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It is interesting to note that today (Friday, Oct. 23) was when the Jets were expecting to start paying him as he returned to the club, and they wanted to likely have zero distractions heading into a season filled with some hope after a solid start.

So to clarify:

To Winnipeg:

(G) Connor Hellebuyck

Hellebuyck becomes the undisputed starter in NJ as Winnipeg resets their rebuild

Hellebuyck was indeed a star for the Jets and his time with the team coming to an end is unfortunate especially with all the tension.

He posted a 345-208-55 record with a 2.58 GAA and .916 SV% in 11 seasons with Winnipeg. Those elite numbers led to him winning three Vezina's, two Jennings, and the 2024-25 Hart as Regular Season MVP.

The Devils ending up with Hellebuyck is a huge coup for New Jersey, as they get the leg up in the Metro over teams like the Rangers - who suddenly don't have a star goaltender to carry the load.

Winnipeg gets a haul that includes a versatile piece in Mercer, a very good backup goaltender in Daws who will be able to help Stuart Skinner, a veteran forward in Bjugstad who can be a reliable two-way centre and steady the lineup.

Command was the 12th overall pick in the 2026 draft who oozes potential at 18 years old and has already contributed to Sweden internationally, winning the World Juniors this past year. The Jets also get more draft capital.

It's quite the impressive package for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff especially having a lack of serious leverage and Winnipeg can rest easy knowing the Hellebuyck cloud won't be hanging over their head anymore.

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Maple Leafs trade Morgan Rielly for Erik Karlsson in mock trade proposal