The 2023-24 season was one that New Jersey Devils fans would like to forget. Coming off a 2022-23 season that saw them finish second in the Metro division and make it to the second round, many thought their contention window was open. But they underperformed, finishing with one of the worst records in the Eastern Conference. A large reason for this was the play of their goalies, who averaged 3.43 goals per game, the sixth-worst mark in the NHL. Â
It was clear that the Devils did not do enough in the offseason to fix their goaltending situation. The Devils were interested in some big-name goalies like Connor Hellebuyck but ultimately decided against it. But what if things were different? What if the Devils decided to go all in and make the blockbuster move for Hellebuyck?
Does Connor Hellebuyck make the 2023-24 Devils a playoff team?
This deal is likely made during the 2023 NHL Draft. At that moment, the Jets appeared to be heading for some sort of re-tool, and it was reported that Hellebuyck did not want to sign a long-term extension. A deal then allows the Jets to recoup Devils picks and young players, giving them a jump on the offseason. It sets the tone early and allows them to make other moves to try to reshape their roster.
The Devils will have to give up a decent amount to get Hellebuyck. It would likely involve a package of Mackenzie Blackwood, a young forward like Adam Beckman, and some mid-round picks. But the hardest part would be the extension for Hellebuyck. They are not going to trade for Hellebuyck without a new contract in place. At the time, Hellebuyck wanted Andrei Vasileskiy-type money, which was $9.5 million. The two sides probably compromised and agreed to an eight-year deal around nine million annually. compromised
This deal would be a huge boost for the Devils. Hellebuyck had one of his best seasons in years in 2023-24, posting a .921 save percentage and a 2.39 goals-against average. Now there is no guarantee that he has these exact numbers, but he probably put up something similar. This would be enough to turn the Devils into a playoff team. With Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt leading the offense, they quickly become one of the most dangerous teams in the East.
The Devils would not only find more success in 2023-24, but for the foreseeable future. Over the past few seasons, Hellebuyck has established himself as the best goalie in the world. Combine that with Hughes and Hischier being 65-70 point players, and the Devils have one of the best cores in hockey. The Devils would quickly become one of the best teams in the NHL and constantly go on deep playoff runs. They easily could have won a Cup in the last few seasons.
Trading for Hellebuyck would have dramatically turned the Devils around. Instead of being up and down the past few seasons, they would have been the powerhouse of the Eastern Conference.
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