The Winnipeg Jets have finally traded goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The deal came together on Friday, with several insiders reporting that the Jets and New Jersey Devils were working on the specifics of a multi-piece trade that will see the netminder return from his suspension.

Hellebuyck’s suspension lifted on Friday, but few saw a trade coming this quickly. Even fewer saw the Devils being the team to finally get a trade done. Hellebuyck had been linked to the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Utah Mammoth, and others. The trade offers the Devils a huge upgrade in goal.

The Hellebuyck Trade Details

As per NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Winnipeg Jets received Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, Alexander Command, and Nick Bjugstad, plus two draft picks (a 2029 2nd-round pick and a 2027 7th-round pick).

Going back to the Devils is Hellebuyck, with no salary retention.

Many will argue this isn’t much of a return for the Jets. Daws isn’t a stud in goal, and Mercer’s best season is a 27-goal campaign in 2022-23. That a first-rounder wasn’t included in the trade is interesting, and if the Jets were holding out hope that the return would help them immediately stay in contention, this return is questionable.

Are the Devils Making a Bigger Move?

The move raises questions about general manager Sunny Mehta’s strategy. He previously expressed reluctance to invest significant assets in goaltending because of its unpredictability. However, Hellebuyck’s arrival could be part of a much larger plan.

Speculation is growing that New Jersey could also pursue Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, who has been linked to a potential reunion with brothers Jack and Luke. Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin recently expanded his trade list to include the Devils.

Landing all three players would dramatically strengthen New Jersey’s roster and signal Mehta’s aggressive push to transform the Devils into legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.

Next: Analyst: Dylan Larkin Should Be Embarrassed By Trade Request Botch