As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue, the National Hockey League has begun the process of announcing the finalists for its significant awards for the 2024-25 season. The league recently revealed the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy, which recognizes the top goaltender: Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings, and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Hellebuyck, who earned the Vezina Trophy last season, demonstrated remarkable form for the Presidents` Trophy-winning Jets. Over 63 games, he recorded a 47-12-3 record, a 2.01 goals-against-average, a .925 save percentage, and eight shutouts. He finished first across the NHL in wins, goals-against-average, and shutouts, while ranking second in save percentage, narrowly trailing only Anthony Stolarz of the Toronto Maple Leafs (.926).
Should Hellebuyck claim the Vezina Trophy for a second consecutive year, he would become only the fourth goaltender to achieve this feat in NHL history, joining the ranks of Martin Brodeur, Dominik Hasek, and Patrick Roy. Brodeur was the last netminder to accomplish back-to-back wins, doing so in 2007 and 2008 during his time with the New Jersey Devils.
The remaining NHL Awards finalists are set to be announced daily through the middle of May. The formal 2025 NHL Awards ceremony is scheduled for June 2025; however, the specific date has yet to be determined.
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the goaltender deemed to be the best player at his position.
- Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
- Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings)
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
