Overview
- The trade was completed on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, sending three-time Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, Nick Bjugstad, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
- The deal resolves a months-long public standoff in which Hellebuyck privately requested a trade, missed training camp and served an unpaid suspension for failing to report.
- Hellebuyck carries a roughly $8.5 million annual cap hit and a full no-movement clause that required him to approve the destination, which constrained Winnipeg’s leverage and shaped the timing of the move.
- It is unclear how soon Hellebuyck will be available to play for the Devils after the transfer, while New Jersey assumes a material long-term cap commitment and hopes the addition strengthens its Stanley Cup window.
- Winnipeg receives a mix of immediate NHL pieces, a goaltending option, a recent first-round prospect and future draft capital that the Jets view as meeting roster needs and allowing the club to move past the dispute.