Blog · NHL goalies
Goalie week: Hellebuyck lands in New Jersey, Fowler shines outdoors
A quiet week for the crease it was not. One of the best goalies in the world changed teams, a 38-year-old found a job, and a rookie stole the first Heritage Classic of the season. Here's what happened, and one thing a young goalie can take from each.
Hellebuyck is a Devil (Oct 23)
The Winnipeg Jets traded Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils on Friday, Oct. 23. Winnipeg gets forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goalie Nico Daws, a prospect, a 2029 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-rounder. Hellebuyck had asked for a trade in the summer and missed training camp, so this ends a long standoff. He's a three-time Vezina winner and won the Hart Trophy in 2024-25.
What young goalies can take from it: he is moving to a new team, a new rink and new teammates, and the job stays the same: stance, patience, track the puck. When your own team changes, or you move up a level, bring your basics with you. → Rookie Series 01: Stance
Reimer signs with the Rangers (Oct 25)
James Reimer, 38, signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with New York on Sunday. The Rangers lost Igor Shesterkin to a season-ending lower-body injury after a 3-1 loss in Washington on Oct. 9, and Dylan Garand has been starting. Reimer had been on a tryout with the Rangers' AHL team in Hartford, where he made 35 saves in a 2-0 shutout in his one start.
What young goalies can take from it: he kept working and was ready when the call came. Every goalie waits behind someone at some point. Use that time on your skating and your rebounds. → Rookie Series 02: Shuffle & T-push
Fowler stops 33 at the Heritage Classic (Oct 25)
Montreal rookie Jacob Fowler made 33 saves in a 2-1 win over the Jets in the outdoor Heritage Classic in Winnipeg on Sunday. That makes him 5-1-0 this season. It was a big stage, a cold rink and a one-goal game.
What young goalies can take from it: big games feel loud, so keep your routine small. Same stance, same breath, same eyes on the puck as in any practice. After a goal against, reset and go again. → Rookie Series 06: Butterfly & Recovery
Maple Leafs
No confirmed goalie news this week that met our two-source rule, so no Leafs item today.
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