Devils GM Sunny Mehta will fire up fans with Connor Hellebuyck trade message appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New Jersey Devils had questions in net with a 36-year-old Jake Allen and an unproven Nico Daws — but Friday’s blockbuster trade changed the equation.
General manager Sunny Mehta acquired one of the best goaltenders of his generation in Connor Hellebuyck, parting with a six-piece package, including Daws, to bring the Michigan native to Newark.
Mehta spoke to the media Saturday and revealed the thought process behind adding the former Hart Trophy winner.
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“I would say it signals, in my view, even though it’s a bigger magnitude trade, it does signal what I think has been our process since I got here, which is everything is about winning,” the first-year GM said, per NHL.com’s Mike G. Morreale. “Everything is trying to make this team better every single day. That’s been my goal since I got here.”
Hellebuyck, 33, has five seasons remaining on his contract with an $8.5 million average annual value. He should be a staple in New Jersey as the Devils look to take the next step and contend for a Stanley Cup over the next half decade.
It was a significant swing by Mehta, who preserved his future first-round picks and the team’s biggest stars while upgrading its most important position.
“It obviously makes us a better team, in my view,” Mehta added.
“That’s kind of what I think. I think it improves our team, of course, significantly, that’s why we made the trade, but in my view, I was thrilled about the team we had coming out of training camp and I’m still thrilled about the team.”
Although Allen will be in the crease against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday afternoon, Hellebuyck should see the lion’s share of the starts once he is up to speed and available to join the team.
The 6-4-0 Devils have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs 11 times in the last 14 seasons, but they hope that adding the Olympic gold medalist will help them sustain consistent success.
The ultimate goal is a Stanley Cup, and it’ll be interesting to see if Hellebuyck’s addition is enough to get New Jersey back to the Final for the first time since 2012.
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