Hellebuyck Joins New Jersey After Winnipeg Exit, Speaking Openly on Hockey Culture in Canada and the US

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is at the centre of discussion in American professional ice hockey after a major trade. Having joined the New Jersey Devils from the Winnipeg Jets, he faced his new club's media for the first time on Saturday and said he is really excited to play hockey again.

The trade, completed on Friday, has been described as a massive move that rocked the league. Hellebuyck is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, an Olympic gold medallist and a soon-to-be Medal of Freedom recipient. After asking for a trade over the summer, he had not played so far this season, and sitting at home for so long was getting to him.

Describing his feelings, Hellebuyck said sitting at home for so long had been difficult. He said he is really excited to play hockey again, that he is joining a very skilled group, that they brought him in for a specific role, and that he is excited to fill that role both on the ice and off it.

Hellebuyck also posed for a photo with New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta at the introductory press conference. After Saturday's win over the Los Angeles Kings, the Devils' record this season stood at 7 wins and 4 losses, with Jake Allen in net for that game. Adding a goaltender of Hellebuyck's calibre could mean goals will be at a premium for any team playing the Devils.

At the press conference he was asked about the difference between playing in a Canadian market like Winnipeg and playing in New Jersey. He replied that it is a catch-22; some people love it when fans talk hockey with players even while grocery shopping, while sometimes you just want to be left alone.

His words about Canada were warm. He said Canada loves its hockey and he felt that to the bone, that he loved his time there, loved the people he met, made a lot of good friends and built good relationships there.

At the same time, he declined to call one better than the other. In his words, he has enjoyed both and experienced both; it is part of hockey culture — they love their hockey, and we love our hockey in our own way, and that should be celebrated.

After that diplomatic answer, attention now turns to November 10, when Hellebuyck and the Devils visit Winnipeg. His return to his old team's rink in a new jersey will be one of the most talked-about moments since the trade.

Although he has not played at the start of the season, Hellebuyck's experience and list of honours underline his importance — very few goaltenders hold three Vezina Trophies and an Olympic gold. He himself has made clear the specific role the Devils brought him in to fill.

Now comes the wait to get back on the ice. How quickly Hellebuyck finds his rhythm after the long break at home will be watched closely by New Jersey supporters. And in his own words, the biggest relief is that the wait is over — he is going to play hockey again.