Connor Hellebuyck says he’s ready as Devils begin three-game Western trip

The New Jersey Devils began a three-game Western Conference road trip with veteran goaltender Connor Hellebuyck practicing with the club Monday in Newark and indicating he is ready to play when the team decides to place him in the lineup.

Hellebuyck practices for first time with Devils

Hellebuyck, 33, took part in his first on-ice session with New Jersey after being acquired from the Winnipeg Jets last Friday. The goalie said he spent time training on his own in Michigan but welcomed the structure of a team practice.

“If you're asking me, I'm ready today,” Hellebuyck said.

Devils coach Sheldon Keefe described Hellebuyck’s work at practice as encouraging but noted the club must complete medical and coaching evaluations before making a game-day decision. Keefe said integrating Hellebuyck into the trip is the intent, but the staff will proceed day by day.

New Jersey (7-4-0) opens the trip Tuesday at the Dallas Stars, with puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center. The road swing continues with a back-to-back at the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday and a stop in Las Vegas on Friday.

Background and immediate context

• Hellebuyck did not report to Winnipeg’s training camp last month and spent several weeks skating independently in Michigan before the trade.
• At practice Monday he wore a temporary Devils sticker on his mask and worked on tracking shots and handling the puck behind the net.
• Keefe said several decisions remain before Hellebuyck would start, including medical clearance and coaching checkpoints.

Keefe said the club’s intent is to involve Hellebuyck during the three-game trip but emphasized the process will be handled incrementally. Team officials also noted Jake Allen remains on the roster and available as the Devils manage the crease during Hellebuyck’s transition.

Luke Hughes, who skates with Hellebuyck in offseason sessions, has familiarity with the goalie’s style and puck-handling; teammates said Hellebuyck’s comfort with holding the puck behind the net could help the Devils’ breakout and transitional play.

The Devils have won five of six entering the trip and swept a three-game homestand with victories over Colorado, Anaheim and Los Angeles. New Jersey’s defensive structure and recent goaltending have been cited by the club as drivers of the team’s early-season run.

The Devils acquired Hellebuyck to bolster their goaltending depth and provide a veteran option as they pursue the regular season. The team will announce any roster or starter decisions after completing the required clearances.