SPEAK OF THE DEVILS: Connor Hellebuyck Is Here, Mehta’s Approach and October Takeaways

Matt Loughlin and Sam Kasan return to Speak of the Devils with a look at the trade for Connor Hellebuyck, his fit alongside Jake Allen and what the move means for New Jersey. They discuss the price of the deal and how it changes the Devils’ goaltending outlook.

Amanda Stein sits down with Hellebuyck about learning he had been traded while on the ice, settling into a new organization and preparing to play again.

Matt and Sam revisit Sunny Mehta’s comments on evaluating goaltenders and hear from the general manager about Hellebuyck’s track record, his value and the thinking behind the trade. They also discuss how Mehta’s trading background shapes his approach to negotiations.

To close, the hosts assess the opening month, including Arseny Gritsyuk’s chemistry with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, Luke Evangelista’s early impact, Anthony Mantha’s role and Luke Hughes’ development. There’s also a look at the defensive adjustments and scoring depth behind the Devils’ recent results.

EPISODE TOPICS
00:00 Hellebuyck on a new chapter in New Jersey
01:19 Speak of the Devils returns
02:50 Reacting to the Hellebuyck trade
07:33 Hellebuyck’s résumé, playing style and workload
12:09 Amanda Stein’s one-on-one with Connor Hellebuyck
15:32 Hellebuyck, Jake Allen and the future in goal
19:55 The trade package and what the Devils gave up
24:17 Sunny Mehta’s goaltending philosophy
31:18 Mehta on transparency, trading and negotiations
34:11 Gritsyuk’s chemistry with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt
36:28 Anthony Mantha’s role and the new additions
37:27 Luke Evangelista’s transition to New Jersey
39:52 Luke Hughes’ development
41:26 Defensive adjustments: coverage and boxing out
43:33 Scoring depth and looking ahead to November

Hosted by Matt Loughlin and Sam Kasan. Featuring Amanda Stein.
Part of the Devils Hockey Network.

This episode was recorded before the Devils’ game in Dallas.