Connor Hellebuyck Being Traded to Devils: Who Saw That Coming?

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Related: Big Hellebuyck Update: Trade Developing and a Deal Imminent

The New Jersey Devils appear to be the team set to win the Connor Hellebuyck trade sweepstakes. Several insiders, including Elliotte Friedman, Emily Kaplan, and Pierre LeBrun are reporting that deal is in motion. It’s a wild development that few probably saw coming, especially since Devils general manager Sunny Mehta took the job and said in a recent interview, “paying for goaltending is dumb.” Of all the players you’d assume he wouldn’t make a big trade for, it might be Connor Hellebuyck.

After Darren Dreger broke that there was a pivot on Friday and that something was close, Elliotte Friedman added that the Hellebuyck saga was coming to an end. He then tweeted, “Sources: New Jersey and Winnipeg are working on a Connor Hellebuyck deal. We will see what develops.”

LeBrun noted: “Devils and Jets are close to a Connor Hellebuyck trade but still some important details to iron out. Both teams continue to work on it.”

Emily Kaplan adds, “The New Jersey Devils are closing in on a deal for Connor Hellebuyck, per sources. As of this weekend, Winnipeg felt it had terrible offers for the goalie but things seemed to have progressed last night. Believe Jets have been focused on scorers in return.”

Mike McIntyre writes, “Per a source, sounds like a Connor Hellebuyck trade is going to involve three teams. Still working to confirm details.”

The Devils and Hellebuyck? Who Saw That Coming?

New Jersey has the pieces to pursue a major upgrade in goal, and acquiring a proven elite netminder could help the Devils establish themselves as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. It could also help them attract a few other pieces down the line, including Dylan Larkin and Quinn Hughes.

Hellebuyck would provide the stability and big-game experience needed to make a deep playoff run, addressing one of the most important positions on the roster. However, the financial cost and assets required to complete a deal would be significant. That they’re winning out over teams like Buffalo, Carolina, Utah, Los Angeles, and San Jose seems to hint that they’re packaging a signifcant set of assets together to make this trade.

Jeff Marek writes, “As we’ve been talking about on The Sheet, Sunny Mehta is out there playing poker with the NHL. One of the most interesting GM’s in the game.”

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Hurricanes, Canucks & Penguins