Eager Hellebuyck making Devils debut vs. Stars on Tuesday

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Connor Hellebuyck will make his New Jersey debut against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, just four days after the blockbuster trade that ended his standoff with the Winnipeg.

The three-time Vezina Trophy and Olympic gold medal winner has not played an NHL game this season after requesting a trade from Winnipeg over the summer. He was suspended by the Jets for not reporting to training camp, forfeiting more than $900,000 in salary.

Hellebuyck, 33, insisted he was ready to play immediately upon arriving in New Jersey, and the Devils said they would consult with their medical team to determine how Hellebuyck's body felt following his first practice session Monday.

"If you're asking me, I'm ready today," Hellebuyck said Monday. "But I don't make every decision around here."

Throughout his suspension, Hellebuyck had been skating five to six days a week in Michigan, training with free agent forwards Robby Fabbri and Antonio Stranges. He said he approached those sessions with the intensity of an NHL training camp, but he acknowledged there were limitations as both forwards shoot left-handed. The sessions were also restricted because the goal posts weren't drilled into the ice like NHL goal posts typically are.

Hellebuyck, who is in the third year of a seven-year contract he signed with the Jets in 2023, on Monday said his focus was re-adjusting to traffic in front of the net.

"The important part is seeing some screens and reacting to some rebounds, and getting a feel for some righties," said Hellebuyck, who had spent the first 11 years of his career with Winnipeg.

The Devils acquired Hellebuyck in a package that included forward Dawson Mercer, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect Alexander Command and two draft picks.

It was the biggest stamp yet for first-year Devils GM Sunny Mehta, who was hired this summer after spending years with the Florida Panthers' front office.

New Jersey (7-4-0) is riding a three-game win streak heading into the first game of a three-game road trip that also features games against Colorado and Vegas.

Veteran Jake Allen is the only other goalie on New Jersey's roster.

"I'm just really excited to play hockey again," Hellebuyck said. "That was the hardest part about all of this, wanting to go back and not being able to."