New Jersey Devils: 5 Bold Offseason Predictions
By Nick Villano
Bold Prediction #3: Zero Goalie Moves
The Devils have been tied directly to Connor Hellebuyck. It all started with a simple proclamation from the Vezina-winning goalie saying he didn’t want to be part of a rebuild. The Devils could be a possible destination. They are right in the middle of their window, and Hellebuyck could push them over the top.
Still, the price to get into the Hellebuyck market is very much not worth it for the Devils. The Winnipeg Jets are either going to try one more time with their star in net, or they are going to ask for a very large package to start their rebuild. The Devils just spent a king’s ransom to get Timo Meier. They could probably afford to do another prospect package for Hellebuyck, but the Devils can’t give up a first-round pick until 2025.
The Jets will demand a first rounder in this deal. They won’t want to wait two more years until they see the rewards from the trade. That probably takes the Devils out of this trade scenario unless they give up something massive. With Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes off the table, and Bratt not really making sense for the Jets, this is not happening.
Beyond that, the Devils are in good shape with Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid. If the Devils tried to go into the postseason with Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood, then this conversation would be different. The Devils found a goalie with ice in his veins. Schmid has a shutout in a Game 7 under his belt. The Devils are fine in net.