The Connor Hellebuyck saga ended last week with a trade to New Jersey. As the Devils set off on a three-game road trip, we now know Hellebuyck will get his first start right away on Tuesday night.
But how will that go, given Hellebuyck's Monday practice was his first time being with an NHL team since last April?
"The closest comparison I have is Jeremy Swayman," said Jason Demers on a Monday appearance on Kyper and Bourne. Swayman missed camp in 2024, signing a deal in October, and went on to have the statistically worst season of his career.
'" Demers said. "He was like, honestly, it's worse for a goalie than any other player because the timing, the reps, taking so many shots, and understanding positionally where you need to be I think it's more important for a goalie.
And now you're getting dropped into this important part of the season after 10 games, everybody's got their game back offensively.
"I do think there's going to be a little bit of a feeling-out process, there's going to be some hiccups along the way."
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So New Jersey suddenly becomes one of the more intriguing goalie situations in the league as it hopes Hellebuyck can return to Vezina Trophy form — or something close to it — and be the piece that gets it over the top.