Sources: Devils land 3-time Vezina winner Hellebuyck from Jets
The New Jersey Devils are in advanced talks to acquire goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, sources told ESPN on Friday.
As recently as last weekend, the Jets were underwhelmed by the trade offers they had received for Hellebuyck, sources said. However, negotiations gained significant momentum Thursday night, with New Jersey emerging as a serious contender to land the star goaltender.
The Jets had motivation to get the deal done this weekend, as Hellebuyck's suspension for failing to report to training camp ends on Friday. In addition, Winnipeg is hosting the Heritage Classic on Sunday, and wants the focus to be on the event, team and city and not on the ongoing drama surrounding Hellebuyck.
Hellebuyck, 33, requested a trade from Winnipeg this summer saying it was in the best interest for him and his family. Hellebuyck is in the third season of a seven-year contract and helped lead the United States to an Olympic gold medal in February.
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