Are Connor Hellebuyck and the Devils True Stanley Cup Contenders?

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Pushing The Odds with Matt Perrault

Connor Hellebuyck Gives New Jersey a Reason to Believe

The New Jersey Devils have a young superstar in Hughes, and the addition of Connor Hellebuyck could make them serious Stanley Cup contenders. Hellebuyck looked impressive in New Jersey’s 5-2 road win against the Golden Knights in Vegas.

New Jersey has been a popular breakout pick in recent years, but the team has repeatedly fallen short of expectations. Strong goaltending could change that. Hellebuyck arrives refreshed after leaving a Jets team that had lost nine consecutive games, and he immediately earned a win with his new team.

The Eastern Conference also appears open. Florida and Tampa Bay are getting older, Boston may need more scoring, and Montreal has been inconsistent. With Hellebuyck playing well, the Devils have enough elsewhere on the roster to reach the Stanley Cup Final and potentially win it.

There may also be an added motivation factor for Hellebuyck. After forcing his way out, he now has an opportunity to justify the move. New Jersey gave up a significant amount to acquire him, creating immediate expectations for both the goaltender and the team. His arrival could also energize a dressing room that previously relied on Jake Allen, a career backup.

The conversation also turned to the rising number of superstar players seeking changes, including Larkin in Detroit and Kucherov in Tampa Bay. Hellebuyck’s successful move could encourage other players and agents to believe they have enough leverage to force trades.

However, teams still have options when players request moves during the season. Detroit could simply keep Larkin off the ice until it determines what to do, and Tampa Bay could take a similar approach with Kucherov. In-season trade demands were criticized as unfair, particularly when the player’s current team remains competitive and appears to be improving.

The segment also included a lighter story about attending games in New Jersey and New York. A double vodka and a Heineken reportedly cost $92, or roughly $120 to $130 Canadian, prompting a decision to bring a flask on the train rather than buy drinks at another game.