'Exceptional': Hellebuyck stops 17 shots in winning Devils debut — SkimNews
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- Hellebuyck made his New Jersey debut against Dallas on Tuesday, allowing one goal on 17 shots as the Devils won 5-1.
- Hellebuyck was traded by Winnipeg four days before the game following his suspension for failing to report to training camp; Tuesday was his first NHL action since a 6-2 loss at Vegas on April 13.
- Sheldon Keefe called Hellebuyck “exceptional” and said he appeared to be in midseason form despite the layoff.
- Hellebuyck credited his teammates with blocking shots, keeping the puck outside and letting him see and handle it, while New Jersey held a multigoal lead for most of Tuesday’s game.
- Hellebuyck skated in his native Michigan before the trade was completed, then joined New Jersey for one practice and Tuesday’s optional morning skate before facing Dallas.
- Hellebuyck spent 11 seasons with Winnipeg, including a Presidents’ Trophy-winning 2024-25 season, and helped the United States win Olympic gold at Milan Cortina.
- Hellebuyck has five seasons left on a seven-year contract with an $8.5 million annual salary cap hit.
Why it matters: New Jersey gained an immediate goaltending contribution: Hellebuyck allowed one goal on 17 shots in a 5-1 win four days after his trade. His seven-year deal carries an $8.5 million annual cap hit with five seasons left, giving the Devils a long-term roster commitment rather than a short-term stopgap.
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