After one day of practicing with his new team, Connor Hellebuyck is already chomping at the bit to get into game action with the New Jersey Devils.
"If you're asking me, I'm ready today," Hellebuyck said, per NHL.com's Mike Morreale. "But I don't make every decision around here."
Monday marked Hellebuyck's first NHL practice since last season, after he didn't attend training camp with the Winnipeg Jets following his public trade request. The Jets subsequently suspended the three-time Vezina Trophy winner for failing to report. To stay in game shape, Hellebuyck spent the past several weeks skating in his home state of Michigan.
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe didn't rule out Hellebuyck playing on the team's upcoming road trip, with away games against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, and the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday.
"I think the intent would be to get him involved in this trip," Keefe said, per Morreale. "But we'll have to take it a day at a time."
Hellebuyck got his wish fulfilled Friday when the Jets sent him to the Devils for a package involving forward Dawson Mercer, prospect Alexander Command, and goalie Nico Daws. Hellebuyck said Monday that he still isn't ready to divulge the details behind his trade request.
"I'm just really excited to play hockey again," Hellebuyck said. "That was the hardest part about all of this, wanting to go back and not being able to. I'm just ready to do what I do best."
