
NHL reveals Vezina Trophy finalists after historic goalie performances
NHL reveals Vezina Trophy finalists after historic goalie performances (Image Source: Getty Images)
The NHL announced Monday its finalists for the Vezina Trophy, the league's highest honor for goaltender. Three players this season are on the ballot, including Winnipeg Jets'
Connor Hellebuyck
, Los Angeles Kings'
Darcy Kuemper
and Tampa Bay Lightning's
Andrei Vasilevskiy
.
Vezina Trophy race heats up with Hellebuyck Kuemper Vasilevskiy in spotlight
Connor Hellebuyck has been phenomenal this season and is the odds-on favourite to win the Vezina Trophy for the second year in a row. This would be his third Vezina Trophy and second straight. Connor Hellebuyck has paced the league in almost every significant goaltending category.
He paced with 47 wins, the most shutouts with eight and saved 49.48 more goals than he was projected to, which is an astonishing number. His .925 save percentage is the best among the goaltenders who played in 35 games or more.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here]
Esseps
Learn More
Undo
This is Connor Hellebuyck's fifth Vezina nomination, and if he gets it again, he'll join some of the all-time greats. Only Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy, and Dominik Hasek have had three since 1982, when the rules were changed.
Along with the Vezina nomination, Connor Hellebuyck won the William M. Jennings Trophy for consecutive years. That award goes to the goalie on the team that has allowed the fewest goals, and the Jets only allowed 190 this year.
This was 13 fewer than their closest competitors. Connor Hellebuyck is the first goalie in NHL history to have won the Jennings Trophy alone for consecutive years.
Darcy Kuemper and Andrei Vasilevskiy's impeccable campaigns
Darcy Kuemper had an exemplary campaign with the Los Angeles Kings. The 34-year-old goaltender closed out the campaign with a record of 31-11-7, along with a.922 save percentage. He also contributed to helping the Kings come second in the Pacific Division. Darcy Kuemper impressed particularly by having the top-ranked high-danger save percentage,.863 in the league. He also reached his career best five shutouts this season.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Tampa Bay Lightning's All-Star goalie, also bounced back this season from a poor 2023-24. Andrei Vasilevskiy was 38-20-5 with a.921 save percentage and 28.84 GSAx. He started slowly but finished strong with the NHL-leading save percentage since Dec. 1. That was a textbook welcome back for Andrei Vasilevskiy, who had to contend with a back problem in his previous season.
Also Read:
Connor Hellebuyck Is The 7th Goalie In NHL History To Win 45 Games In A Single Season
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
NHL insider drops big update on Sam Bennett's future with Panthers
NHL insider drops big update on Sam Bennett's future with Panthers (Image via Getty) A new update about Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has caught fans' attention. With free agency slowly approaching, there's been a lot of talk about what the Panthers will do next. Now, it seems one of the key names might be staying. NHL insider David Pagnotta has shared news that could mean something big is coming soon. Sam Bennett's contract talks with Florida Panthers show progress On June 9, 2025, hockey insider David Pagnotta reported on The Fourth Period that talks between Sam Bennett and the Florida Panthers are moving in the right direction. While nothing is final yet, it looks like both sides are working toward an agreement that would keep the forward in Florida beyond next season. — nhlrumourreport (@nhlrumourreport) After being transferred from the Calgary Flames, Sam Bennett, 28, has been with the Panthers starting in 2021. Florida's playoff runs depend greatly on his powerful two-way play and physicality. If no new agreement is signed, he becomes a possible free agent when his present contract expires following the 2024-2025 season. Pagnotta said, 'It sounds like there's been some traction on a contract extension,' which suggests that talks are serious. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo This update has sparked hope among Panthers fans that the team will lock up one of their top forwards for the future. Also Read: Sam Bennett's Future In Florida Uncertain: Panthers Playoff Star May Walk After Stanley Cup Run Sam Bennett's value clear as Florida focuses on long-term core During the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 postseason trips, Sam Bennett was very important for the Panthers. His tenacity, scoring ability, and capacity to step up in critical games were all recognized. Bennett started with his usual enthusiasm and scored some significant goals during the 2024 playoffs. The Panthers are believed to be trying to keep their top players together for another deep playoff push. According to The Fourth Period, general manager Bill Zito is leading talks and sees Bennett as a 'priority piece' in the lineup. Florida is also keeping an eye on their salary cap situation. Signing Bennett early could help the team avoid last-minute decisions or losing him to free agency. Sources say both sides are 'hopeful' that something will be done soon. No official details about contract length or salary have been shared yet. But if things go well, fans may hear confirmation before the NHL Draft or free agency period opens.


Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sam Bennett's future with the Panthers hangs in the balance despite coach's sarcastic free agency warning
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has been on fire this postseason—scoring 14 goals and tallying 20 points in just 20 games. His red-hot form has elevated him to the NHL's top spot in playoff goals this year, helping the Panthers dominate the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But amid all the on-ice success, one question lingers: will Bennett remain with the Panthers next season? Paul Maurice jokes about Bennett's free agency, but is there more beneath the surface? As contract speculation continues to swirl, head coach Paul Maurice chose humor over panic. 'He's got a horrible attitude. I think he's got bubonic plague,' Maurice said in jest during Game 3. 'He's got a whole bunch of things. We're not sure he can be cured.' While these quips made headlines for their comic relief, they also hinted at something deeper—confidence. Why such light-heartedness about possibly losing a core playoff performer? According to insider James Mirtle, 'Nobody around the league expects Sam Bennett to reach free agency; he wants to stay, and the Panthers want to keep him.' That likely explains Maurice's relaxed tone and suggests that negotiations, although not finalized, are progressing behind the scenes. Contract talks ongoing, but salary cap concerns may create tension NHL insider Elliotte Friedman previously noted that Bennett and the Panthers have been discussing a potential extension since at least March. 'It's been a very good marriage between player and team,' Friedman said. However, nothing is set in stone. With multiple big names like Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand also due for new deals, Florida's salary cap space may only allow the team to retain two of the three stars. And that's not the only issue. Former NHLer Paul Bissonnette chimed in on X, saying, 'I find it weird though that some people… think Sam Bennett making 10 million is insane… He's leading the NHL in playoff goals.' The market may drive up Bennett's value, especially considering the shortage of top-tier centers in this year's free agent pool. Also Read: So while the Panthers and Bennett appear to be on the same page, the financial puzzle may yet complicate what has otherwise been a seamless fit.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Paulina Gretzky set to inherit incredible fortune and stunning luxury boat from hockey icon Wayne Gretzky
As Dustin Johnson pursues another shot at U.S. Open glory, attention has shifted to his wife, Paulina Gretzky—not just for her support, but because of what she stands to inherit from her legendary father, Wayne Gretzky. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Johnson has secured massive paydays from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Paulina's future is lined with generational wealth thanks to her father's illustrious career and lavish lifestyle. Wayne Gretzky's fortune and assets are shaping Paulina's multi-million dollar legacy Wayne Gretzky, often referred to as 'The Great One,' is more than just a hockey legend—he's a financial powerhouse. With an estimated net worth of $250 million, Gretzky holds 61 NHL records and has turned his post-retirement years into a business empire. For Paulina, this means inheriting not only an enormous fortune but also a portfolio of jaw-dropping properties and luxury items. Among his holdings, Gretzky owns a lakefront estate in Idaho, multiple Florida homes, and a childhood residence in Brantford, Ontario. He even repurchased his famed 'Gretzky Mansion' in Thousand Oaks, California, only to flip it for a profit in 2021. But one of the most unique pieces in the Gretzky collection isn't a home—it's a custom, handcrafted 34-foot Steinway 340 HT powerboat. The Steinway powerboat is more than just a toy—it's a family heirloom in the making Commissioned in 2021, this bespoke mahogany boat—built by Couer Custom—is worth $900,000 and blends elegance with engineering. It can hit speeds of 50 mph but is designed for leisure. 'I was relatively fast when I skated, but these days I drive my car slow,' Gretzky told Robb Report. 'I'll take comfort over speed any day.' The boat features plush loungers, a main cockpit with cozy sofas, a stern sunpad, and even an electric bimini for added shade. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Paulina's mother, Janet Jones, played a pivotal role in designing its stylish aesthetic. 'She's the creative one in the family; the only thing I asked for was to have a Canadian flag at the back,' Gretzky added. Also Read: Between her father's sprawling real estate, massive fortune, and luxurious custom yacht, Paulina Gretzky's future looks every bit as glamorous as her past—and Dustin Johnson may not be the biggest star in the household for much longer.