Connor Hellebuyck to make Devils debut against Stars
The highly anticipated New Jersey Devils debut for one of the more successful netminders of this generation is here.
When speaking to reporters, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that newly acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will get his first start with his new team on Tuesday night, when New Jersey takes on the Dallas Stars.
The Devils received Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets in a blockbuster trade on Friday. General manager Sunny Mehta seemingly came out of nowhere, giving up forwards Nick Bjugstad, Dawson Mercer and Alexander Command, as well as goaltender Nico Daws. It came after months of speculation about where Hellebuyck would end up after he requested a trade from the Jets over the summer.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Devils get from the three-time Vezina Trophy winner. While Hellebuyck is undoubtedly accomplished and talented, he hasn’t seen any game action this year. He also only just practiced with the Devils on Monday, his first on-ice session with a team this year, as he was suspended by Winnipeg after failing to report to training camp last month.
Yet optimism in the Garden State runs high, as many believe Hellebuyck’s addition makes the Devils a certified favorite in the Metropolitan Division. With players like Nico Hischier and Jack and Luke Hughes in front of him, fans hope the Hart Trophy winner will bring stability between the pipes and make New Jersey a true postseason contender.
With injury and a lackluster team in front of him, Hellebuyck’s encore performance was futile last year. In 57 games in 2025-26, the Commerce, Mich. native posted a record of 23-23-11, with a 2.86 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. However, he further cemented his legacy in February, backstopping the United States to the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
In 625 regular-season games in the NHL, Hellebuyck has a mark of 345-208-55, with a 2.58 GAA, a .916 SV% and 45 shutouts. He’s also 24-24 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with a 2.90 GAA, a .903 SV% and five shutouts.
