Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and last year’s Hart Trophy recipient, is sidelined due to knee surgery, potentially opening the competition for the award. Discussions on Daily Faceoff LIVE highlighted that the Vezina race is becoming more competitive as goalies like Andrei Vasilevskiy and Logan Thompson are emerging. With Hellebuyck’s absence, several goalies are stepping into the spotlight, making the award race more unpredictable.
By the Numbers
- Connor Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy the last two years.
- He also received the Hart Trophy for the 2022-2023 season as the league’s MVP.
State of Play
- Connor Hellebuyck will be out for several weeks due to surgery, impacting the Vezina race.
- Andrei Vasilevskiy and Logan Thompson have been identified as front runners amid Hellebuyck’s injury.
What’s Next
As the season progresses, the competition for the Vezina Trophy is expected to intensify with new frontrunners emerging and goalies aiming to capitalize on Hellebuyck’s absence.
Bottom Line
The Vezina Trophy race is wide open this season, as several goalies have the potential to claim the award in light of Connor Hellebuyck’s injury. The dynamics of the race will be shaped by performances over the coming weeks.
