Devils Reveal Stance On Trading For Connor Hellebuyck
Asked about his approach to goaltending in an interview with NHL.com, Mehta gave a blunt answer. "Goaltending has changed dramatically during the past 20 years. Starters and backups are extremely talented, which can make performance difficult to predict," Mehta said. "Because there is randomness at the position, I'm reluctant to invest significant assets there instead of in areas where the results may be more predictable."
A Position New Jersey Has Already Reshuffled Once
Mehta already made one major goaltending move this offseason, trading Jacob Markstrom back to his old team in Florida.
He framed that deal as opportunistic more so than urgent. "That was an important trade for us, the Markstrom trade, but it wasn't for any reason of, 'Oh my gosh, we have to trade Markstrom,'" Mehta said. "I think there was an alternate universe in which we very realistically would have and could have started the season with Markstrom on the team."
Frank Seravalli: Re Connor Hellebuyck trade request: I'm still really curious about San Jose, the Mammoth, I think you have to keep on eye open on the Golden Knights even though it's hard to squint and see a path - Oilers Now (9/21)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 22, 2026
In Markstrom's place, New Jersey has turned to 36-year-old Jake Allen as the starter, with prospect Nico Daws and journeyman David Rittich competing for the backup role.
Mehta has expressed a lot of confidence in that group. "I'm very comfortable with our goaltending," he said. "Daws has got a path in front of him right now."
Why The Cap Math Complicates A Hellebuyck Pursuit Anyway
New Jersey currently has just $975,000 in projected cap space with a full 23-man roster, a number that doesn't come close to accommodating Hellebuyck's contract without significant subtractions first.
Any real pursuit would require the Devils to clear substantial money elsewhere before the money side even becomes workable, on top of whatever trade package Winnipeg would demand.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Connor Hellebuyck trade request: I've heard there's at least one other goalie [in addition to Luukkonen] that either the Jets looked at or were offered to them who now has Winnipeg on his no-trade - 32 Thoughts (9/18)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 20, 2026
Mehta's comments don't fully close the door.
If New Jersey stumbles out of the gate, the calculus could change, and the Devils do have some big trade assets in reserve if they decide it's worth clearing the cap room to use them.
