Don’t worry about Connor Hellebuyck’s down season in 2025-26

The Devils’ new star goaltender had a down year in 2025-26. Here’s why not to worry.

By JP Gambatese · Pucks and Pitchforks

Published: Monday, 26 October 2026 at 11:14 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer JP Gambatese argues Devils fans should not worry about Connor Hellebuyck's statistical decline in 2025-26.
The New Jersey Devils recently acquired Hellebuyck via trade from the Winnipeg Jets.
Hellebuyck posted a career-first sub-.900 save percentage last season while managing midseason knee surgery.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The New Jersey Devils recently acquired star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets. While Hellebuyck recorded a career-first sub-.900 save percentage during an uncharacteristically down 2025-26 campaign, writer JP Gambatese argues that Devils supporters should not be concerned about the veteran netminder's recent drop in form.

Gambatese emphasizes that Hellebuyck managed a heavy 57-game workload behind a porous Winnipeg defense while also recovering from midseason knee surgery. The writer highlights Hellebuyck's gold-medal run with Team USA at the 2026 Olympics and strong analytics profile as evidence that his prior season was merely an anomaly.

Read the full article on Pucks and Pitchforks

Don’t worry about Connor Hellebuyck’s down season in 2025-26

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