Devils Land Hellebuyck in Blockbuster Deal With Winnipeg

New Jersey acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, ending a trade-request saga that had hung over the Jets organization. The return package to Winnipeg included Dawson Mercer and Alexander Holtz, giving the Jets a significant haul of players and prospects in exchange for one of the sport's premier netminders.

Hellebuyck is a Hart and Vezina Trophy winner — the Vezina recognizing him as the league's best goaltender, the Hart as its most valuable player — making him among the most decorated goalies of his era. His arrival in New Jersey represents a clear statement of intent from the Devils' front office, upgrading the position in a significant way after Jake Allen had been carrying the crease load most recently.

Hellebuyck and the Devils are scheduled to face Winnipeg in the Jets' building on November 10, which will be the first look at how that reunion plays out on the ice.