The Connor Hellebuyck trade saga is officially over, and the New Jersey Devils have landed one of the NHL’s most accomplished goaltenders in a blockbuster that could reshape the Eastern Conference.
The Winnipeg Jets traded Hellebuyck to New Jersey on Friday, October 23, receiving Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, Nick Bjugstad, top prospect Alexander Command and two future draft picks.
That’s six assets in exchange for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, ending months of uncertainty following his offseason trade request and subsequent suspension.
The most intriguing part? Winnipeg acquired an established NHL forward and the 12th overall selection from the 2026 NHL Draft without New Jersey surrendering an additional first-round pick.
For the Devils, it’s a massive investment in winning now. For the Jets, it’s the beginning of a different chapter.
Meanwhile, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl combined for 10 points Thursday; Toronto delivered a dramatic victory, and Montreal lost captain Nick Suzuki.
Here’s everything you need to know about the completed Hellebuyck trade, the latest NHL news, and all 12 scores from Thursday night.
Latest NHL News: Connor Hellebuyck Trade Details and October 23 Updates
Connor Hellebuyck Officially Traded to the New Jersey Devils
Connor Hellebuyck Trade Details
Confirmed October 23, 2026
- Connor Hellebuyck Goaltender | Age 33 $8.5M annual cap hit Contract through 2030-31
- Dawson Mercer Forward | Age 24
- Alexander Command Unsigned forward | Age 18 12th overall, 2026 NHL Draft
- Nico Daws Goaltender | Age 25
- Nick Bjugstad Forward | Age 34
- 2029 second-round pick New Jersey’s own selection
- 2027 seventh-round pick New Jersey’s own selection
The transaction comes on the same day Hellebuyck’s suspension was scheduled to expire.
Hellebuyck had requested a trade during the offseason and did not report to Winnipeg’s training camp.
His full no-movement clause meant the Jets needed his approval to complete a deal.
Now, after 11 NHL seasons in Winnipeg, the 33-year-old goaltender is heading to Newark.
My take: This trade represents more than a change in net. It signals that New Jersey is ready to compete immediately while Winnipeg attempts to recover significant value from a difficult situation.
The return is substantial in quantity, but its ultimate quality will depend heavily on the development of two young players.
Dawson Mercer Gives Winnipeg an Established NHL Forward
The most immediately recognizable player heading to Winnipeg is Dawson Mercer. The 24-year-old Newfoundland native was selected 18th overall by New Jersey in the 2020 NHL Draft.
He has accumulated 103 goals and 110 assists for 213 points across 420 NHL games. Mercer recorded four assists in 10 games this season before the trade.
The Jets are acquiring a versatile forward with experience playing in multiple situations. He can contribute offensively, handle important defensive responsibilities and potentially become a long-term piece of Winnipeg’s forward group.
But Mercer alone wouldn’t have been sufficient compensation for Hellebuyck. His value is meaningful precisely because the Jets acquired additional prospects and draft picks.
My observation: Mercer should get a legitimate opportunity to establish himself in a larger role. Winnipeg needs players who can contribute now rather than relying entirely on assets that might not reach the NHL for several seasons.
Alexander Command Could Become the Most Valuable Piece
While Mercer offers NHL experience, Alexander Command might eventually determine how this trade is remembered.
The 18-year-old Swedish forward was selected 12th overall by New Jersey in the 2026 NHL Draft. Winnipeg has acquired his signing rights while he continues developing overseas.
Command has played six games for Ă–rebro HK in Sweden’s top professional league this season. He also produced 12 points, including seven goals, in six games with Ă–rebro’s junior club.
At the 2026 World Under-18 Championship, he helped Sweden win gold while recording seven points in seven games. Those are encouraging credentials for a player still early in his development.
The distinction here matters: Command is an unsigned prospect, not an established NHL forward. His draft position and international performances are promising indicators, not guarantees of future production.
My take: This is Winnipeg’s most intriguing long-term asset in the transaction.
If Command develops into a productive top-six centre, the Jets will have acquired a premium building block from a trade that initially looked difficult to complete.
That’s a much better outcome than accepting a package composed entirely of depth players and distant draft choices.
Nico Daws and Nick Bjugstad Complete the Player Package
Winnipeg also acquires 25-year-old goaltender Nico Daws. Daws appeared in four games for New Jersey this season, recording a 2-2-0 record, a 2.78 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage.
Across 59 career NHL games, he has registered 26 victories. Daws isn’t a direct replacement for a three-time Vezina winner, but he adds another option to Winnipeg’s goaltending group alongside Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson.
The Jets can evaluate his development without placing the entire burden of replacing Hellebuyck on his shoulders.
Nick Bjugstad provides a different kind of value. The 34-year-old forward brings 821 games of NHL experience and has recorded 339 career points.
He is currently recovering from surgery, meaning his immediate availability remains a consideration. Bjugstad can eventually offer veteran depth, but he shouldn’t be viewed as the centerpiece of this trade.
Together, Mercer, Command, Daws and Bjugstad give Winnipeg a mixture of established talent, future upside and organizational depth.
Connor Hellebuyck’s Contract: What New Jersey Is Taking On
Hellebuyck is in the third season of a seven-year, $59.5 million contract signed with Winnipeg in October 2023.
His annual average salary-cap charge is $8.5 million, with the agreement running through the 2030-31 NHL season. That represents five contract seasons including 2026-27.
Using annualized cap figures, five seasons at $8.5 million represent $42.5 million in aggregate cap charges. This is not a calculation of remaining cash salary or today’s prorated cap commitment.
The official announcements did not disclose a salary-retention arrangement. For New Jersey, the important point is that Hellebuyck’s expensive long-term deal is now part of its roster-planning decisions.
The Devils are betting that an elite starting goaltender is worth sacrificing four player assets and two future picks. And there is a compelling argument for that decision.
Why the Devils Made This Blockbuster Trade
New Jersey has an excellent foundation, featuring Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt and a promising defensive group. What the Devils lacked was consistent elite goaltending.
Through their first 10 games, their team save percentage stood at .876, tied for 23rd in the NHL. Hellebuyck’s career save percentage is .916.
He has recorded 345 regular-season victories, 45 shutouts and a career 2.58 goals-against average. During his outstanding 2024-25 campaign, he won 47 games while producing a .925 save percentage and eight shutouts.
He also helped the United States capture Olympic gold in 2026.
Of course, his most recent NHL season wasn’t nearly as dominant. Hellebuyck posted a .895 save percentage in 2025-26, leaving legitimate questions about whether he can return to his previous level.
Still, New Jersey clearly believes the upside is worth the investment. My take: This trade improves the Devils’ Stanley Cup outlook, but it doesn’t automatically make them champions.
Hellebuyck must regain his rhythm after missing training camp and the beginning of the season.
The team also needs to avoid sacrificing its defensive structure simply because a superstar now occupies the crease.
Did Winnipeg Get Enough for Hellebuyck?
This is where the deal becomes genuinely debatable. On one hand, Winnipeg loses the greatest goaltender in its franchise history.
Hellebuyck leads the organization in victories, starts, games played and shutouts. Replacing that level of production won’t be easy.
On the other hand, the Jets receive six assets despite having limited negotiating leverage. Hellebuyck’s public trade request and full no-movement clause complicated the process considerably.
Mercer can contribute immediately. Command carries significant long-term upside. Daws offers another young goaltending option, while Bjugstad provides veteran experience once healthy.
The second-round pick gives Winnipeg an additional meaningful draft asset.
My assessment: New Jersey wins the immediate competitive advantage because it acquires the best player in the trade.
But the Jets could eventually look very smart if Command develops into a top-six NHL forward and Mercer thrives in a larger role.
It’s too early to declare the long-term winner.
What Happens Next for Hellebuyck and the Jets?
Hellebuyck’s first appearance for New Jersey has not been confirmed.
He has not played in an NHL regular-season game this season, making his preparation and conditioning important considerations.
One particularly interesting date is November 10, when the Devils are scheduled to visit Winnipeg.
That could produce an emotional return against his former team, although his participation is not guaranteed.
Winnipeg, meanwhile, must prepare for Sunday’s Heritage Classic against Montreal with the distraction of Hellebuyck’s trade finally behind it.
The Jets can now turn their attention to integrating Mercer and Daws, evaluating their forward depth and determining where Command fits into their long-term plans.
McDavid and Draisaitl Combine for 10 Points
Thursday’s most spectacular individual performances belonged to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Each finished with two goals and three assists as Edmonton defeated Carolina 6-5 in a shootout.
The Oilers trailed 4-2 entering the third period before mounting a remarkable comeback.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins eventually scored the shootout winner in his season debut.
Edmonton’s offense looks extraordinary, but the defensive breakdowns that allowed five goals remain concerning.
Maple Leafs Win Dramatic Game Against Rangers
Toronto earned its third consecutive victory Thursday, defeating the New York Rangers 5-4.
Troy Stecher scored with 28 seconds left to secure the win.
The Maple Leafs continue building momentum, although defensive depth remains a concern with Chris Tanev unavailable.
Toronto’s potential roster decisions will be worth watching as the NHL trade market adjusts following the Hellebuyck blockbuster.
Canadiens Lose Nick Suzuki Before Heritage Classic
Montreal captain Nick Suzuki will miss approximately two to four weeks with an upper-body injury.
His absence ends an impressive streak of 546 consecutive NHL games.
The Canadiens now face a difficult stretch without their most important all-around forward, beginning with preparations for Sunday’s Heritage Classic against Winnipeg.
NHL Scores Yesterday: All 12 Games From October 22, 2026
Thursday produced 79 goals across 12 NHL games.
Edmonton defeated Carolina in a shootout, Dallas beat Winnipeg in overtime, and Toronto scored a last-minute winner against the Rangers.
Boston shut out Nashville 6-0 while Pittsburgh blanked Florida 4-0.
Detroit extended Vancouver’s losing streak to nine games with a 5-2 victory.
San Jose, New Jersey, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Calgary and Seattle also earned victories.
NHL Scores — October 22, 2026
All 12 final scores and game highlights
Game notes: David Pastrnak records two goals and two assists. Charlie McAvoy adds four assists. Michael DiPietro makes 28 saves for his first NHL shutout.
Game notes: Troy Stecher scores with 28 seconds remaining. Brandon Duhaime earns three points as Toronto extends its winning streak to three games.
Game notes: Yaroslav Askarov makes 41 saves. Collin Graf and Jacob Trouba each record a goal and an assist in San Jose’s first regulation win.
Game notes: Arseny Gritsyuk extends his goal-scoring streak to four games. Nico Hischier, Anthony Mantha and Jack Hughes also score.
Game notes: Arturs Silovs makes 26 saves for the shutout. Nick Robertson scores twice as Pittsburgh ends a four-game losing streak.
Game notes: Artemi Panarin scores twice and Brandt Clarke nets the overtime winner. Darcy Kuemper finishes with 41 saves.
Game notes: Justin Barron collects a goal and three assists. Dylan Holloway scores twice as St. Louis overwhelms Vegas.
Game notes: Roope Hintz ties the game with two minutes remaining and scores the overtime winner. Winnipeg goalie Stuart Skinner makes 35 saves.
Game notes: Devin Cooley makes 36 saves. Aydar Suniev and Joel Farabee score power-play goals as Calgary holds off Minnesota.
Game notes: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each tally two goals and three assists. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scores the shootout winner.
Game notes: Mackie Samoskevich scores the third-period winner after Logan Cooley’s two goals erase Seattle’s lead.
Game notes: Lucas Raymond scores twice and adds an assist. Detroit extends its point streak to six while Vancouver loses its ninth straight.
The full mobile-friendly scoreboard includes every final score, individual game highlights and key performances.
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