Connor Hellebuyck: New Jersey Devils, Salary, Olympics and HockeyDB Profile

Connor Hellebuyck is one of the NHL’s most accomplished goaltenders, known for his outstanding saves, consistency and major individual awards. In a major development on October 23, 2026, the New Jersey Devils acquired Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets in a blockbuster trade. The move gives New Jersey an experienced starting goaltender with three Vezina Trophies and an Olympic gold medal to his name.

Hellebuyck’s new team, salary, Olympic performance and career statistics have attracted significant attention among hockey fans. Here is everything to know about his move to the Devils, NHL contract, international achievements and HockeyDB profile.

Connor Hellebuyck Joins the New Jersey Devils

Connor Hellebuyck is officially a member of the New Jersey Devils after spending his NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets. The Devils announced the trade on October 23, 2026, acquiring the veteran goaltender to strengthen their position in net.

New Jersey sent forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round draft pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Winnipeg in exchange for Hellebuyck.

The trade represents a significant move for the Devils. Hellebuyck brings years of experience as an NHL starter, along with a record of elite regular-season performances and major individual awards.

His arrival is expected to give New Jersey greater stability in goal. The team will hope he can deliver the same level of performance that made him one of the league’s most respected goaltenders.

Connor Hellebuyck Salary and Contract

Hellebuyck signed a seven-year contract worth $59.5 million with the Winnipeg Jets. The agreement runs through the 2030–31 NHL season and carries an average annual value of $8.5 million.

The contract remains in effect following his trade to New Jersey. Therefore, the Devils acquire a proven goaltender with several seasons remaining on his current agreement.

Key contract details include:

• Total contract value: $59.5 million
• Contract length: Seven years
• Average annual value: $8.5 million
• Contract expiration: 2030–31 season
• Position: Goaltender
• Previous team: Winnipeg Jets
• Current team: New Jersey Devils

His annual salary can differ from his average annual contract value because NHL contracts may include varying base salaries and signing bonuses. The $8.5 million figure is the widely reported average annual value of his deal.

For New Jersey, acquiring Hellebuyck is a substantial financial commitment. However, elite goaltending can make a major difference in close games, playoff races and postseason series.

Connor Hellebuyck and the Olympics

Hellebuyck strengthened his international reputation with an exceptional performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Representing the United States, he helped the American team win the men’s ice hockey gold medal after defeating Canada in the final.

The victory marked the United States’ first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal since the famous 1980 triumph. Hellebuyck played a crucial role in the team’s success, delivering a series of important saves against top international competition.

His Olympic statistics included a 1.18 goals-against average and a .956 save percentage. He also received tournament recognition as Best Goaltender and earned a place on the Olympic All-Star Team.

These achievements added another major accomplishment to an already impressive career. Hellebuyck had previously represented the United States at the IIHF World Championship and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

His Olympic success also increased the spotlight on his NHL future. Following the tournament, his departure from Winnipeg became a major storyline, culminating in the trade to New Jersey in October 2026.

Connor Hellebuyck Career Stats

Hellebuyck built his reputation through consistent performances with the Winnipeg Jets. Before joining the Devils, he recorded 345 wins, 208 losses and 55 overtime losses across 625 regular-season NHL games.

His career regular-season statistics included a 2.58 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage and 45 shutouts.

These numbers demonstrate his long-term value as a starting goaltender. He has also produced several outstanding individual seasons, including a career-high 47 victories in 2024–25.

During that season, Hellebuyck recorded a 2.01 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage over 63 regular-season appearances. His performance helped him earn major NHL honors.

His 2025–26 campaign was more challenging. He finished with a 23–23–11 record, a 2.86 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. Winnipeg missed the playoffs, contributing to questions about the team’s direction and Hellebuyck’s future.

Moving to New Jersey gives him an opportunity to begin a new chapter and help the Devils compete at a higher level.

Connor Hellebuyck’s NHL Awards and Achievements

Hellebuyck has collected several of hockey’s most prestigious individual honors. His achievements highlight his importance to the Jets and his standing among the NHL’s leading goaltenders.

His major accomplishments include:

• Three Vezina Trophies: Awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender, including honors for the 2019–20, 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons.
• Hart Memorial Trophy: Recognized as the NHL’s most valuable player for 2023–24.
• Two William M. Jennings Trophies: Earned in 2023–24 and 2024–25 for team goaltending excellence in goals-against performance.
• NHL First All-Star Team: Selected in 2019–20, 2023–24 and 2024–25.
• Olympic gold medal: Helped the United States win the 2026 men’s hockey tournament.

Winning the Hart Trophy is particularly notable for a goaltender because the award recognizes the player judged most valuable to his team. His three Vezina Trophies further demonstrate his sustained excellence at the position.

Connor Hellebuyck HockeyDB Profile

HockeyDB is a hockey statistics database used by fans to explore players’ biographies, team histories and career records. Searches for Connor Hellebuyck on HockeyDB typically focus on his development, professional career and goaltending statistics.

Hellebuyck was born on May 19, 1993, in Commerce, Michigan, United States. Winnipeg selected him in the fifth round, 130th overall, of the 2012 NHL Draft.

Before reaching the NHL, he played college hockey at the University of Massachusetts Lowell during the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons. He recorded a combined 38–12–2 record and earned recognition for his performances in Hockey East.

His college success helped establish him as a promising goaltending prospect. He later developed into Winnipeg’s long-term starting goaltender and earned recognition across the league.

His career record and awards make him one of the notable American goaltenders of his generation. With his move to the Devils, his professional team history now includes a new chapter in New Jersey.

Why Did Connor Hellebuyck Leave the Winnipeg Jets?

Hellebuyck’s departure followed a period of uncertainty surrounding his future with Winnipeg. Reports indicated that he requested a trade during the offseason, citing the interests of his family.

His situation became more complicated when he failed to report to training camp and the Jets suspended him. The trade was completed on October 23, 2026, bringing the dispute to an end.

New Jersey emerged as his new destination, while Winnipeg received multiple players and future draft selections. The move gives both organizations a chance to reshape their rosters around different priorities.

For the Devils, the immediate goal is to benefit from Hellebuyck’s experience and ability to perform under pressure. For Winnipeg, the return provides additional roster options and future draft capital.

What Connor Hellebuyck Brings to the New Jersey Devils

The Devils acquire much more than an experienced goaltender. Hellebuyck brings a history of high-volume starts, strong regular-season performances and experience competing in international tournaments.

His presence could help New Jersey improve its defensive confidence. A reliable starting goalie can also reduce pressure on the team’s defense and provide a stronger foundation during tight games.

Nevertheless, his recent statistics show that performance can fluctuate from season to season. New Jersey will need consistent defensive play and effective team support to get the best results from its new goaltender.

The trade also creates expectations. With a substantial contract and a record of winning major awards, Hellebuyck will be expected to play a leading role in the Devils’ ambitions.

Conclusion

Connor Hellebuyck’s move to the New Jersey Devils is one of the major NHL developments of October 2026. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner arrives with an $8.5 million average annual contract value, extensive NHL experience and a gold medal from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

His career statistics, individual awards and international achievements make him a significant addition to New Jersey’s roster. As the season progresses, Devils fans will be watching to see how Hellebuyck adapts to his new team and whether he can help the franchise make a serious push toward the Stanley Cup.