Next move Devils must make after trading Simon Nemec to Flames

The New Jersey Devils made a big splash on Tuesday, sending Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames in a trade. They sent the No. 2 overall pick packing in exchange for two first-round picks and a second-rounder. The Devils could take those picks and build for the future, but instead, they should trade for Connor Hellebuyck.

The Devils have missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, and goaltending has been a reason why. Jacob Markstrom was brought in to stabilize the position, but had a dreadful year in 2025-26. He posted an .883 save percentage in 44 games for New Jersey last year, which is not enough to make the postseason.

Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal for Team USA in the Olympics, which created a domino effect in the NHL. Since then, many USA players have requested trades in search of a Stanley Cup. Brady Tkachuk was moved to the Florida Panthers, and Dylan Larkin wants out of Detroit. That’s where Hellebuyck comes in.

The Winnipeg Jets may trade the former MVP before the offseason is up. Considering their poor finish in the Central Division last year and Hellebucyk’s incredibly high trade value, this is the time to make a move. The Devils now have two first-rounders in both the 2027 and 2028 drafts, which makes this trade possible.

New Devils general manager Sunny Mehta pulled off an incredible trade involving Nemec. The former No. 2 overall pick has not stuck at the NHL level, but Mehta landed two first-rounders for him. Now, he can turn those picks into the best goalie in the world. They are in a great goaltending division and could jump right to the top.

What would it take for the Devils to land Hellebuyck from the Jets?

The Devils would have to pay a high price for Connor Hellebuyck

The Jets do not have much in terms of draft picks moving forward, so this will be a pick-heavy return. But if they are going to trade away the 2025 MVP and three-time Vezina Trophy winner, they have to get a lot back. The Devils need him, and the new general manager should want to make a splash.

The Jets should target a goalie from the Devils’ prospect pipeline in this deal. While they did get solid seasons from both AHL goalies, Thomas Milic and Domenic DiVincentiis, they should try to improve the future of the position. The Devils have Mikhail Yegorov, whom they took in the second round of the 2024 draft.

The Jets need to use the Tkachuk trade as the baseline for their deal. If Brady Tkachuk, who has no 40-goal seasons, can get three first-rounders, then Hellebuyck can get more. The Devils’ 2026 first-rounder, the Golden Knights’ 2027 first-rounder, and the Avalanche’s 2028 first-rounder are a must. Add in Yergorov, and the value is still not close to complete.

The final piece of the trade should be defenseman Seamus Casey. Casey was drafted in the second round in 2022 and has been solid for the Devils when called upon. The Jets can start to build their future blueline with Casey, assuming Luke Hughes is unavailable.

The Jets may also have to take on the final year of Markstrom’s contract to make the trade work financially. Considering they’re going to need someone to play goalie, they should be happy to add him to the club. This is a monstrous trade for the Devils, but one that puts them in playoff contention.

The final trade sends Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils for a huge package. The Jets receive a 2026 1st round pick (NJD), a 2027 1st round pick (VGK), a 2028 1st round pick (COL), Jacob Markstrom, Seamus Casey, and Mikhail Yegorov.

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