The Connor Hellebuyck trade has ushered in a renewed sense of hope for the New Jersey Devils. But it has also raised the bar for the team.
In particular, pundits and talking heads have been raving about the Devils now being legitimate contenders. And with that billing, the bar is raised for the team across the board, especially for Jack Hughes.
Hellebuyck’s arrival removes the biggest excuse the Devils have had for any poor outings. They now have the league’s best goaltender manning the crease. And that means that the team can’t justify not going out there and pushing the pedal to the metal.
While I’m not talking about the Devils just throwing Hellebuyck to the fire. The bottom line is that the whole team is now on the hook. They have to play a solid offensive and defensive structure in front of their all-world goalie.
If that’s the case, the Devils could go from a question mark to serious contenders in the Metro Division.
But if there’s any guy that will face the most pressure of all, it’s Hughes. Having his Team USA buddy should no doubt be a major boost. It’s that boost that should push Hughes and the Devils to a new level.
Jack Hughes and Connor Hellebuyck can bring Team USA magic
Jack Hughes became one of America’s sweethearts after winning the gold medal at the 2026 Olympics. But bear in mind that Hughes’ Golden Goal would not have been possible had it not been for Hellebuyck’s big save in the sequence preceding the goal.
Had Hellebuyck surrendered the game-winner to the Canadian side, there is no telling if this trade would have even happened.
But Team USA won, and Hellebuyck was one of the team’s biggest stars. Now, the expectation is that Hughes and Hellebuyck can transfer that magic to the Devils. That push started on Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars.
The Devils pulled out a 5-1 win behind Hellebuyck’s 16 saves. Sure enough, Hughes ended the night with a goal and an assist and was the game’s third star. Hughes was a force on the ice all night long, seeming invigorated on the night, despite having to play with the full face shield.
That’s what Devils fans are hoping for. It could very well be that Tuesday night’s effort in Dallas will be a harbinger of things to come, now that Hellebuyck has officially made his season debut.
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