NHL3 hours ago2 minute read

Connor Hellebuyck Ready for Devils Debut Against Dallas

Connor Hellebuyck is expected to make his New Jersey Devils debut on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Fresh Start in New Jersey

Connor Hellebuyck is set to make his New Jersey debut against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. The game comes four days after a trade ended his standoff with Winnipeg. The 33 year old goalie has not played an NHL game this season after asking for a trade over the summer.

He was suspended by the Jets for not reporting to training camp. That decision cost him over $900,000 in forfeited salary. Now in New Jersey, Hellebuyck wants to return to the ice immediately. The team planned to check with its medical staff after his first practice session on Monday to determine how his body felt.

Preparation and Practice

While suspended, Hellebuyck stayed active by skating five to six days a week in Michigan. He trained with free agent forwards Robby Fabbri and Antonio Stranges. He treated those workouts with the intensity of an NHL training camp, though there were limitations. Both forwards shoot left handed, and the net posts were not drilled into the ice.

During Monday practice, Hellebuyck focused on seeing screens, handling rebounds, and adjusting to right handed shooters. "If you're asking me, I'm ready today," Hellebuyck said on Monday. "But I don't make every decision around here." He added that he is simply excited to play hockey again after wanting to go back and not being able to.

Trade Details and Team Outlook

Hellebuyck is a three time Vezina Trophy winner and Olympic gold medalist who spent the first 11 years of his career in Winnipeg. He is in the third year of a seven year contract that he signed in 2023. New Jersey acquired him by sending forward Dawson Mercer, goalie Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, and two draft picks to the Jets.

This trade is the biggest move yet for first year Devils general manager Sunny Mehta, who was hired this summer after spending years in the Florida Panthers front office. New Jersey enters the game with a 7-4-0 record and a three game winning streak. This match begins a three game road trip that also features games against Colorado and Vegas. Veteran Jake Allen is the only other goaltender on the Devils roster.

What it means for the next game

New Jersey Devils at Dallas Stars (NHL, Wed, 28 Oct): Dallas Stars win 49%, New Jersey Devils win 51%; projected score Dallas Stars 3, New Jersey Devils 3. Our safest pick: Devils +1.5.

New Jersey Devils at Colorado Avalanche (NHL, Thu, 29 Oct): Colorado Avalanche win 61%, New Jersey Devils win 39%; projected score Colorado Avalanche 4, New Jersey Devils 3. Our safest pick: Devils +3.