Oct 27, 2026 · 2h 49m
Hellebuyck trade reshapes Devils’ championship outlook
Spittin' Chiclets Episode 679: Featuring Elliotte Friedman
The episode connects a blockbuster goaltending move to New Jersey’s title ambitions, Winnipeg’s difficult breakup, and a rapidly rising NHL salary market.
- 1Connor Hellebuyck could address New Jersey’s goaltending concerns while opening a legitimate championship window.
- 2Quinn Hughes speculation, Dylan Larkin rumors, and sibling dynamics show how one trade could reshape several contenders.
- 3Elliott Friedman explains how aggressive contracts and offer sheets are resetting NHL salaries and team-building strategies.
Don't miss
Elliott Friedman explains how salary inflation and offer sheets are resetting the NHL market while discussing Hellebuyck’s desire to leave Winnipeg.
The brief
Connor Hellebuyck’s move from Winnipeg to New Jersey drives the episode’s central argument: the Devils may have acquired the missing piece for a championship push.
The hosts debate whether Hellebuyck can quickly solve New Jersey’s goaltending and finishing problems, while weighing the possibility of Quinn Hughes eventually joining his brothers.
Hellebuyck’s Winnipeg exit becomes a broader discussion about fan backlash, social-media abuse, and why clean breaks between players and teams are so difficult.
Elliott Friedman discusses his contract extension, career pressures, insider culture, salary inflation, offer sheets, Dylan Larkin rumors, and the forces behind Hellebuyck’s departure.
The episode closes with Toronto’s win over Edmonton, Macklin Celebrini’s trajectory, and hockey tangents that stretch from sibling pairs to pop culture and Canadian politics.
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