Will the Devils Trade for Connor Hellebuyck? Roster Options

Just a week or so after selling myself on the Devils three-headed goalie monster, back comes the prospect of adding Connor Hellebuyck into the mix. The 33 year old USA gold medalist and Winnipeg Jets goaltender, released a statement Thursday, reaffirming his desire to be moved out of Manitoba. With just a somewhat modest cap hit for todays NHL at $8.5m per for the next five seasons the acquisition, while seemingly tough to navigate, is tempting to explore.

This request makes things far more interesting for New Jersey in the coming weeks. With just under $4m in cap space available which was believed to be the cushion of flexibility if and when Quinn Hughes becomes available, could the Devils maneuver enough salary in order to obtain both? That scenario, with all of the NMC's still attached to contracts from our friend Fitzy, is highly unlikely. 

Below is a list of all Devils (not named Hughes that have either no trade protection, or limited trade protection...

Looking at this list, Mehta does have options. Let's eliminate the obvious first. 

Having just been signed, Anthony Mantha will not be moved before the start of the season and most likely will play out his entire Devils contract here in NJ. The only way he is moved is if the Devils fall flat on their faces and Mantha struggles. At which time he could get Jersey a fair amount of draft capital back at a trade deadline.

Arseni Gritsyuk is another I think Mehta would be very hesitant to deal. The ceiling for Grits is still very high, and having his upside potential locked in for $3.25M over the next three seasons should pay major dividends for the Devils.

Next up is one of Mehta's men, Evan Rodrigues. Rodrigues spent time with Mehta in Florida and I doubt Sunny would ship out a trusted vet that followed him to his new destination before even playing a game. In addition, Rodrigues skill set and leadership are something the Devils could benefit from far greater then the $3M+ in cap space moving him would buy.

Now onto the guys that could(not should) be traded...

Poor Dawson Mercer, this guy has been mentioned in every single trade rumor since the beginning of his time in Jersey. A solid two way center man is coveted by all NHL teams and Mercer is no Different. His ability to play up or down in the lineup, wing or center ice, power play or penalty kill, and his durability(hasn't missed a single game since entering the league) would peak the interest of all potential trade partners. While he hasn't blossomed into the scorer we hoped he would, Dawson Mercer is still a great middle six option up front and would fit nicely on any team.

Stefan Noesen, nice to know ya. The gritty vet has battled injuries since his blazing first few months in Jersey, and has been underwhelming since. Noesen isn't getting any younger and if his injuries have slowed him down at all, is no longer a great fit in NJ. His contract has a limited NMC with a seven team trade list. At $2.75m per, I'd look to move on and replace him with a cheaper, faster option.

When it comes to Cody Glass, although keeping him is preferred, valuable 3/4C at only $2.5m would peak the interest of many suitors. Glass gelled well with Connor Brown and Arseny Gritsyuk last season, scoring timely goals and being a solid force in the face-off circle. Trade only if necessary as a player like this is not easily replacable.

Nick Bjugstad is a nice player, but that's about it. The big body gives the Devils some size that is always needed on a fourth line. His overall contributions are worth it at $1.75m per, but if that money is needed, move him without hesitation.

Jesper Boqvist is much like Evan Rodrigues as he is one of Mehta's men. While it's unlikely he is moved, I could see a scenario where Mehta attempts to place him in a desired location if the cap space is preventing a major deal. At $1.5m per, this is unlikely, but not entirely out of the question.

On the back end there are some pieces that could be moved and we start with Brendan Dillon. At 35 years old, Dillon's best hockey is most likely behind him. However, his tenacious style, size, and outright "old man strength" is something the Devils need. With a $4m cap hit, Dillon's salary could open up a lot of opportunity for the Devils. Dillon has a limited NMC with a10 team trade list.

Jonas Siegenthaler had a down year, as did most Devils in 2025-26. With a bounce back year in his scope and two years left at a team friendly $3.4m, I'd be torn to move this player. With that said, if he's the deal breaker needed to bring in talents like Hellebuyck or Hughes, it's a no brainer. Siegs, like Dillon and the man I am about to mention, has a limited NMC with a 10 team no trade list.\

Finally, Dougie Hamilton! The ultimate road block to the eliminating the elephant in the room finally has seen his NMC downgraded to a 10 team list. Is this the year his $9m finally come off the books? Word around the campfire is new GM and former poker pro, Sunny Mehta loves what Hamilton brings. On this, I call his bluff. Watching any Hamilton game tape from the past few years shows he is constantly exposed on the back end, clumsy with pucks that aren't directly on his tape, and compared to Luke Hughes, skates like a baby giraffe on crystal meth. I suspect Mehta's "love" for Hamilton is nothing more than; A) boosting the fragile psyche of the player and B)restoring some of the value in the player who's stock dropped rapidly the last few seasons.

As far as the goaltending is concerned, Jake Allen has trade protection and most likely stays no matter what. It's like the game F, Marry, Kill, when it comes to the addition of Hellebuyck. Allen gets the ring, Daws gets the flowers and chocolates, Rittich gets the hollow point. 

So can Mehta go absolutely bananas and get both Quinn and Hellebuyck? Yes, moving one or two D men and two or three of the forwards menioned could open up the additional $12m or so in cap space that would be needed. However, losing five roster players and replacing them with just two, could leave the Devils lacking the depth that Mehta has so nicely acquired this off season. Would you want one of the aforementioned or swing for the fences on both players?n:et's kick it around in the comments!