In a recent article for The Athletic, NHL writer Peter Baugh gave an inside look at the first few days of Connor Hellebuyck's experience as a member of the New Jersey Devils. In the piece, Baugh details the expected parts of the inner workings of Hellebuyck's journey to New Jersey, from the travel to his connections with the team to his first night in Hoboken. However, Baugh also made sure to note some of the lesser-thought-of aspects of the mechanics of a trade, namely what the other side of it looks like, with players saying goodbye.
Baugh mentioned two things on the matter: how the likes of Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, and Nico Daws were treated by management and teammates leading up to the deal, and that players were scrambling to their phones to see if they were the ones getting moved to the Winnipeg Jets.
Apparently, Devils' GM Sunny Mehta met individually with the players who were on the move, a sign of respect for their contributions to the organization and a signal of the type of person Mehta is as the leader of the team. Those with ties to the Winnipeg area gave their now-former teammates suggestions.
Cody Glass was worried when he saw news of the Devils latest trade
Elsewhere in the piece, there was a glimpse of what it might look like when a player sees their team make a trade, especially one of this caliber -- Baugh describes one situation where Cody Glass was eating a meal when he got a TV notification that the Devils made the huge trade. From there, he darted to his phone and wondered whether he was going to be included in the return. Allegedly, he wasn't the only one.
It's a good thing Glass wasn't in the deal -- he has been a staple on the Devils' fourth line, which has been arguably the best fourth-line group in the entire season. One point -- a goal -- in 12 games is nothing to scoff at when considering the defensive value he brings and the penchant the Devils have for winning their minutes with him on the ice.
Regardless, the point stands that this is something very infrequently discussed or thought of by fans. As much as the Devils' are a vastly improved team because of the deal, it's important to reflect on the human aspect of it too.
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