The Utah Mammoth honestly looked like they were in need of a goalie after taking a 5-3 loss against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night.
However, the one guy that seemed like he could be a perfect fit was traded the next day. Connor Hellebuyck was acquired by the New Jersey Devils.
The Devils gave up a LOT for Hellebuyck
According to Emily Kaplan of ESPN, the Devils acquired the goalie from the Winnipeg Jets.
The return was significant: "In return, the Jets receive three forwards -- Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad and Alexander Command -- as well as goalie Nico Daws, a seventh-round draft pick in 2027 and a second-round selection in 2029."
Mercer, who was drafted in the first round of 2020 NHL draft, had become a good offensive player, averaging just over 20 goals per season with the Devils. The 24-year-old was a nice get in the trade for the Jets, but the Devils gave up even more.
The Devils gave up a reliable veteran in Bjugstad, another former first round pick (2026) in Command, and a goalie who has had an up and down career (Daws).
The Devils still gave up one second round and seventh round pick as well. But of course, the most notable thing they gave up was two former first round picks. Mercer can be a great goal scorer while Command clearly has a lot of potential for the future.
Utah didn't want to give up that much
The Mammoth simply weren't going to give up former first round picks in addition to veterans for Hellebuyck.
This trade to Jersey shows the reason why the Jets were struggling to find a suitor for Hellebuyck. Winnipeg wanted a huge return for hte superstar and showed that Utah made the right decision.
As good as Hellebuyck can be, that return seems rather insane for a 33-year-old goalie.
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