Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy and is in contention to win the award for the third time in his career. The Vezina Trophy is presented annually “to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position” based on votes from the NHL`s 32 general managers.
Hellebuyck is joined by two other finalists: Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings.
Having previously won in 2019-20 and being the reigning award holder, Hellebuyck potentially had his finest season yet in the current campaign. He set a personal best with 47 wins, becoming only the fifth goaltender in NHL history to reach this milestone. In 63 appearances, he led the league with a remarkable 2.00 goals-against average and posted eight shutouts. His .925 save percentage ranked second overall among eligible goalies.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, who claimed the Vezina in 2019, is a finalist for the fifth time. He started 63 games for the Lightning this season, delivering a strong performance with a .921 save percentage and six shutouts, bouncing back after a statistical dip to .900 last season.
Darcy Kuemper is a Vezina finalist for the first time in his career. He successfully revitalized his game following an off-season trade to the Los Angeles Kings. In his 50 starts, Kuemper secured 31 victories and posted a 2.02 goals-against average along with a .921 save percentage and five shutouts.
Tristan Blackwood