Connor Hellebuyck Says He Is Ready for His Devils Debut; Tuesday Starter at Dallas Not Named
Connor Hellebuyck practiced with New Jersey for the first time Monday and said he could play today. Coach Sheldon Keefe wants him involved on the three-game trip but is taking it day by day.
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Devils: unconfirmed for Tuesday at Dallas. Connor Hellebuyck practiced with the New Jersey Devils for the first time Monday and told reporters he could play right away, NHL.com's Mike G. Morreale reports. "If you're asking me, I'm ready today," he said, before adding that he does not make every decision.
Coach Sheldon Keefe did not name a starter for Tuesday's game against the Stars (8 p.m. ET). He said the intent is to get Hellebuyck involved on this road trip but that the team will "take it a day at a time," according to NHL.com. Hellebuyck still has to clear the club's medical and coaching checkpoints after missing all of training camp and the start of the season.
Why it matters this week
New Jersey (7-4-0) plays three road games in four nights: at Dallas on Tuesday, at Colorado on Wednesday and at Vegas on Friday. Tuesday and Wednesday are a back-to-back, so the Devils are likely to need two goalies in two nights whatever they decide about Hellebuyck.
Jake Allen started Saturday's game against the Kings, per the NHL.com box score. Hellebuyck arrived in Friday's trade with Winnipeg. The Jets received forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goalie Nico Daws, a prospect's rights and two draft picks, NHL.com reported. He had been suspended by Winnipeg after not reporting to camp. NHL.com notes he has won the Vezina Trophy three times and the Hart Trophy for 2024-25.
What we will update
We will move the Devils to expected or confirmed on the Tuesday board only when the team or a beat reporter names a starter. The Wednesday board tracks the second half of the back-to-back at Colorado. Nothing here is betting advice.