Knights finish homestand against Devils, ‘big addition’ Hellebuyck

The Vegas Golden Knights know a thing or two about in-season trades that can provide a shot to the arm.

Their next opponent, the New Jersey Devils, are experiencing that euphoric high right now.

New Jersey pulled off the biggest trade thus far, landing all-world goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets for four players and two draft picks on Oct. 23.

Hellebuyck made his Devils debut on Tuesday, a 5-1 win in Dallas where he finished with 17 saves.

The Devils weren’t in a good mood 24 hours later, losing 5-2 in Colorado. But Hellebuyck is likely to be in the visitor’s crease Friday at T-Mobile Arena, as the Knights (9-4-1) try to sweep their two-game homestand in their annual Nevada Day matinee.

“We got two opposite ends of the spectrum to look at,” coach Ryan Craig said. “They were a good team before they received Hellebuyck. They did get a shot in the arm from the trade.”

Hellebuyck’s time in Winnipeg included him winning the Vezina Trophy three times as the NHL’s top goaltender, as well as the Hart Trophy winner for league MVP in 2025.

His shining moment came in February when he backstopped Team USA to a gold medal during the Winter Olympics in Milan.

Hellebuyck made 41 saves in the 2-1 overtime victory over Canada. The golden goal was scored by Hellebuyck’s now teammate in New Jersey, Jack Hughes.

The 33-year-old was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump for his efforts.

“He was a huge reason we were able to win a gold medal,” said defenseman Noah Hanifin, who was on Team USA along with center Jack Eichel. That was the last positive moment for Hellebuyck for the next eight months.

The Jets missed the playoffs last season for just the second time in nine seasons. Hellebuyck’s historic season in 2025 ended in a six-game loss to the Stars in the second round.

Hellebuyck requested a trade on Aug. 27. He did not report to training camp and was suspended by Winnipeg until the day he was traded. He forfeited nearly $1 million in salary.

Hellebuyck had five years remaining on his seven-year, $59.1 million contract he signed in October 2023.

His final start with the Jets was April 13 against the Knights. He allowed six goals in a 6-2 loss at T-Mobile Arena.

“Obviously, a difficult situation for him this year and kind of a unique one,” Hanifin said. “He’s a good dude. It was really fun being able to get to know him and go play with him at that tournament.”

Hellebuyck gives the Devils their first elite goaltender since the days of franchise icon Martin Brodeur. They are hoping he’s the last piece needed to get New Jersey back to championship contention.

The Devils (8-5-0) have made the playoffs three times since making the Stanley Cup Final in 2012.

Health has been the Devils’ biggest weakness, primarily from Hughes. New Jersey’s star center has missed 61 games the past three seasons.

“They’ll be a prepared team after (things) not going their way (on Wednesday),” Craig said. “I think we got a real good test ahead of us tomorrow.”

Hanifin said it can be a challenge facing a team riding a high after a blockbuster trade, knowing that management has confidence in the team to make a swing like that.

“We’re going to have a big challenge tomorrow,” Hanifin said. “They got a good team and they got a big addition with him in net. We’ve got to bring our ‘A’ game tomorrow.”

Contact Danny Webster at [email protected]. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.

Up next

Who: Devils at Golden Knights

When: 3 p.m. Friday

Where: T-Mobile Arena

TV: KMCC-34

Radio: KVGS 107.9 FM/KOAS 105.7 FM (Spanish)

Line: Knights -120; total 6½