The New Jersey Devils may not be the team to watch if Connor Hellebuyck’s name keeps floating through the rumor mill.
That’s the read from Devils GM Sunny Mehta, whose comments to NHL.com pointed to a pretty clear philosophy in goal: spend carefully, and don’t treat the position like a place to dump major assets just because the name is big. Mehta said there are “objective measures such as save percentage and wins,” but also stressed the salary-cap reality.
In his words, “Money spent in goal cannot be spent somewhere else. Goaltending has changed dramatically during the past 20 years.
Starters and backups are extremely talented, which can make performance difficult to predict. 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.”
That doesn’t exactly sound like a front office lining up to pay $8.5 million a year for Hellebuyck.
The Devils also have another reason to feel more comfortable standing pat: they’re happy to have Jake Allen, and the trade of Jacob Markstrom opens the door for Nico Daws to get a real look at the NHL level.
Elsewhere around the league, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Adam Fantilli appear to be inching forward. Pierre LeBrun reported that GM Don Waddell said at the Board of Governors meeting that he spoke again with Pat Brisson, Fantilli’s agent, on Monday, and that the two sides seem to have made some progress. The talks are still ongoing.
In Detroit, Simon Edvinsson’s next deal is shaping up as a real test of how the Red Wings want to handle their young core. Max Bultman reported that the RFA defenseman is at training camp and is taking part in drills and meetings, but not scrimmages or games.
If Detroit goes long term, the number likely starts at $10 million or more. Eight-year deals are no longer allowed, but Zeev Buium still landed a lengthy pact from the Vancouver Canucks, an eight-year contract at $9.38 million per.
A shorter bridge deal doesn’t make much sense for Detroit, either. Five-year contracts have been popular for players in this age range, but Moritz Seider already has five years left on his own deal, and the Red Wings probably don’t want both players lining up for new contracts at the same time. Since they aren’t in a cap crunch, a lower number now would likely just lead to a bigger one later.
For Edvinsson, the logic points to going long now, even if the first price tag causes some sticker shock.
And one more extension watch item: Jason Robertson, as of Jan. 1, and Drew Doughty, right now, will both be looking for new deals.
In Other News...
Devils Fans Already Have A New Game-Day Frustration
With the NHL season about to open, Devils fans heading back to Prudential Center have one more thing to plan around before puck drop. The team rolled out a new bag policy this fall, limiting what can come through the doors and narrowing the range of items that will be allowed inside the building.
The restriction is tighter than what many arena-goers are used to, with bags larger than 4" x 6" x 1.5" now off limits. Parenting and medically necessary bags may still be permitted, but they will need to go through X-ray screening, adding another layer to the routine for fans trying to get in and settled before the action starts. [Read more 🡒]
Devils Goalie Uncertainty Could Put Connor Hellebuyck Back In Play
The Devils are heading toward the 2026-27 season with real questions in goal, and that uncertainty has a way of changing how a front office looks at the market. Right now, New Jersey is leaning on Nico Daws, Jake Allen and David Rittich, but the overall picture has not exactly settled the issue for a team that would prefer more confidence at the position.
Connor Hellebuycks trade request has kept his name in circulation, even as Winnipegs asking price and the structure of his limited no-trade clause have cut down the list of realistic suitors. For the Devils, the conversation only becomes interesting if the Jets are willing to keep a meaningful chunk of salary, which could make a move for one of the leagues top goalies more workable in New Jerseys cap picture. [Read more 🡒]
Jake Allen May Be The Devils' Biggest Bet This Season
The Devils are making a fairly practical bet in goal this season, and it starts with Jake Allen stepping into the primary role. His numbers last year, a 2.74 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage in 37 games, were good enough to show he still has something left, and in a season where every roster decision matters, his affordable contract gives New Jersey more room to address other needs.
What makes Allen such an intriguing part of the plan is the balance between value and uncertainty. The Devils could chase bigger-name options in the crease, including Connor Hellebuyck, but doing so would come at a much steeper cost. For now, they appear willing to trust Allen to steady the net while the front office uses the savings elsewhere, a strategy that could help in more ways than one if the goaltending holds. [Read more 🡒]