"I Hope They Know I Care About Them": Connor Hellebuyck Leaves Touching Note For Jets Fans in Introduction with Devils

On Saturday, the New Jersey Devils formally introduced Connor Hellebuyck on Saturday, giving fans and media their first chance to hear from the 33-year-old three-time Vezina Trophy winner since the Winnipeg Jets traded him to New Jersey on Friday.

The Jets sent Hellebuyck to the Devils in a six-asset deal that included middle-six forward Dawson Mercer and Alexander Command, the 12th overall pick in the most recent draft.

Hellebuyck opened by praising his new team and saying the long wait had worn on him. "Sitting at home for so long was getting to me... I'm just really excited to play hockey again, and I'm joining a very skilled group," he said.

Asked about his goals in New Jersey, Hellebuyck echoed what he said at the start of the offseason that kicked off the trade saga. A Stanley Cup is the one thing missing from his career, and he hopes to bring one to the Devils.

"I'm here to win, and the only thing I got left on my resume is a Stanley Cup," he said. He added that "there's a lot of skill here... I feel like my role fits perfectly here."

The Michigan native was also asked about joining a franchise that has long searched for an answer in net. The last goaltender to fill that role was Canadian Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, and Hellebuyck said he is excited to play for the Devils and learn from a legend.

"Following a legacy of Marty Brodeur, I'm going to honor that. I'm going to cherish every moment of it," Hellebuyck said. "I'm going to pick his brain, and I'm going to be that same kid growing up that was geeking out over hockey, and I'm 33 years old."

Near the end of the session, Hellebuyck was asked about his time in Winnipeg and whether he had a message for Jets fans. He mostly declined to elaborate, saying he wanted to show respect for the Jets and would address the situation at a later date. Winnipeg is set to host the Heritage Classic this weekend, with an alumni game Saturday before the Jets face the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.

He did say he loved his time in Winnipeg and in Canada, and he hopes Jets fans know that.

"Canada loves their hockey, and I felt that to the bone... I've loved my time there, and I've loved the people that I've met," Hellebuyck said. "I hope they know I care about them."

Some Jets fans remain hurt that Hellebuyck wanted to leave, but his comments suggested he hoped to part on good terms.

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