The Golden Knights (9-4-1) close a two-game homestand Friday against the New Jersey Devils in their annual Nevada Day matinee at T-Mobile Arena. The Devils (8-5-0) arrive after a blockbuster trade on Oct. 23 that brought three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg for four players and two draft picks.
Hellebuyck made his Devils debut Tuesday with 17 saves in a 5-1 win at Dallas, though New Jersey lost 5-2 in Colorado the following night. The 33-year-old goaltender, who also won the 2025 Hart Trophy as league MVP, is expected to start Friday against his former team. His last appearance at T-Mobile Arena came April 13, when he allowed six goals in a 6-2 Jets loss to the Knights.
Hellebuyck requested a trade on Aug. 27, skipped training camp, and was suspended by Winnipeg until the deal was completed, forfeiting nearly $1 million in salary. He has five years remaining on a seven-year, $59.1 million contract signed in October 2023. His arrival gives New Jersey its first elite goaltender since Martin Brodeur.
Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin, who played alongside Hellebuyck on Team USA's gold-medal squad at the Milan Olympics, called him a "good dude" and a huge reason for the victory over Canada. Hanifin said facing a team energized by a major trade presents a challenge: "They got a good team and they got a big addition with him in net. We've got to bring our 'A' game tomorrow."
Coach Ryan Craig noted the Devils were already a good team before acquiring Hellebuyck and will be prepared after Wednesday's loss. "I think we got a real good test ahead of us tomorrow," Craig said. The Devils have reached the playoffs three times since their 2012 Stanley Cup Final appearance, with star center Jack Hughes missing 61 games over the past three seasons due to injury.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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