What Happened
New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters on Monday that the team plans to have Connor Hellebuyck play during its upcoming three-game road trip, but said the goaltender still has several boxes to tick before that decision is made. Hellebuyck, acquired from the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, told reporters he is ready to play. Keefe said the team will gauge how Hellebuyck feels after practice and the flight to Dallas before settling on next steps.
Key Details
- Keefe said the Devils intend to play Hellebuyck on the three-game trip but have conditions left to meet.
- Hellebuyck told reporters he is ready to play.
- New Jersey acquired Hellebuyck from Winnipeg on Friday.
- The return: Alexander Command, Nico Daws, Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
- Hellebuyck is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner.
- The trip: Dallas Tuesday, Colorado Wednesday, Vegas Friday.
What It Means
Hellebuyck's arrival gives New Jersey a three-time Vezina winner, but the club is managing his transition rather than rushing him into the crease. The back-to-back in Dallas and Colorado offers two possible entry points, with the Vegas game closing the trip. Until he plays, the Devils' goaltending plan for the trip remains unsettled.
What's Next
The Devils face Dallas on Tuesday and Colorado on Wednesday before playing Vegas on Friday. Keefe's staff will assess Hellebuyck after practice and travel before deciding which game, if any, he starts on the trip.