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Will Jets Hellebuyck Win Both the Vezina and the Hart Trophies?

Typically, NHL goalies are not considered for the Hart Trophy. But is Connor Hellebuyck’s season with the Jets different?

by
Old Prof
January 10, 2025

Goalies usually don’t get much love in the Hart Trophy race. But this season, in addition to almost being a shoo-in for the Vezina Trophy, the Winnipeg Jets Connor Hellebuyck is also making a strong case to win the Hart Trophy. There are two key questions. First, will he do enough to win the most valuable player on his team? Second, will the voters consider his qualifications, even though he is a goalie?

The Hart and the Vezina Are Awarded for Regular-Season Play

For those who might not know, neither the Hart Trophy nor the Vezina Trophy takes into account postseason play. Both are awarded based on regular-season performance only. Voters award the Hart Trophy each season to the NHL player considered the most valuable to his team during the regular season. The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association conducts the voting. Voters award the Vezina Trophy to the best regular-season goalie. NHL general managers vote on it.

Playoff performance is not a factor in the selection of either award.

Does Hellebuyck Meet Both Criteria?

On the surface, it would seem as if Hellebuyck meets both criteria. In addition, perhaps the bigger question is whether Hellebuyck is making a case too strong to ignore. He registered 26 wins in the 33 games he played. That’s not just playing well. That’s far beyond just good. Can anyone honestly argue that he’s not been the best player on his Winnipeg Jets team?

Without Hellebuyck, the Jets wouldn’t be close to the top of the NHL standings. He’s played 33 games for the Jets. He’s earned a 25-6-2 record, a 2.08 goals-against-average, and a .926 save percentage. He has made 865 saves on 933 shots faced this season. He recently posted his 300th win. He’s been consistent and has had an elite performance on the net.

He leads the league in wins, and his numbers are great. His goals-against average and save percentage are currently the best of his career. He’s showing up big every single game. He’s showing the stuff of an NHL MVP? That has to earn him votes from both groups.

Can a Goalie Win Both the Hart and the Vezina?

Winning the Vezina and the Hart in the same season is a long shot. But Hellebuyck’s season with the Jets isn’t just good—it could be historic. The Jets rely on him more than any other team leans on their goalie, and he’s proving he can carry the load.

If he keeps up his solid regular-season play and leads his Winnipeg team to the postseason, voters must consider him for both trophies. It’s not just about making saves—it’s about being the difference-maker. Right now, Hellebuyck is precisely that. Put a checkmark next to his name in both the Hart and the Vezina trophy races.