Carolina Hurricanes were close to a major trade involving their 33‑year‑old goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, according to Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman. Hellebuyck ultimately moved to the New Jersey Devils in a Friday trade that sent the Devils’ goalie Nico Daws, forwards Dawson Mercer, Alexander Command, Nick Bjugstad, and several prospects to Carolina. Friedman said that the negotiations between the Hurricanes and Devils began with the Jets’ desire for immediate offensive reinforcement. The Hurricanes had options such as Seth Jarvis, Logan Stankoven, or Jackson Blake, but the Stanley Cup‑winning club was unwilling to part with those players. The Hurricanes tried to structure the deal in other ways, but it did not materialize until the Devils made a decisive move. As a result, the Hurricanes’ goaltending tandem remains Brandon Bussi and Russian netminder Pjotr Kotšetkov. Kotšetkov recorded his seventh consecutive win in a 4‑0 victory over the St. Louis Blues during the night shift. Hellebuyck earned Olympic gold with Team Canada at the 2022 Milano‑Cortina Games and was named the NHL’s most valuable player for the 2024‑25 season. The Hurricanes roster includes Finnish players Sebastian Aho, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Juuso Välimäki.