Should The Devils Trade For Connor Hellebuyck?
Connor Hellebuyck wants out and with just one year remaining on his contract, the Winnipeg Jets are going to be forced to trade the former Vezina Trophy winner. Early indications are that the Devils could be front runners for Hellebuyck’s services. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Insider Trading that the Devils have an interest. However, should New Jersey actually pull the trigger on this kind of trade?
As many know, I’m a firm believer in not paying goalies. For that reason alone I think Hellebuyck is almost a non-starter. It’s been reported that Hellebuyck is seeking an AAV of $9.5 million on his next deal. Heading into age 30, there is just no chance I’m willing to commit that kind of dollars when the best years are likely behind him. Also, if I’m paying Hellebuyck that kind of money, I also can’t build the proper blue line needed to protect him.
Furthermore, the Devils are kinda set at goalie. Vitek Vanecek had a really good year and Akira Schmid appears to be a young guy with promise. Vanecek, 27, posted a 33-11-4 regular season record with a .911 SV%. Yes, he struggled in the postseason but that entire Devils team was Bambi with no playoff legs yet. Schmid, 22, posted a 9-5-2 record with a .922 SV%. New Jersey has their goalie tandem and just needs to keep supplementing the core they already have. Overpaying for Hellebuyck is an unnecessary luxury they don’t need or will be able to afford down the line. Remember, this team has so many young players that will need to be paid down the road.
Connor Hellebuyck makes a lot of sense for a lot of teams but the Devils are not one of them. What about Buffalo to be a veteran option next to Devon Levi? What about a team like the LA Kings who are more in win-now mode? Both of those options make way more sense than New Jersey which has two reliable options on cheap deals.
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