Breaking News: Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck Named Finalist for 2024–25 Vezina Trophy
Winnipeg, MB – April 29, 2025 — Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been officially named one of three finalists for the prestigious Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League’s top goaltender. This marks Hellebuyck’s third career nomination, solidifying his reputation as one of the elite netminders in the game today.
The Vezina Trophy is voted on by the league’s 32 general managers and recognizes the goaltender deemed “best at his position” during the regular season. Joining Hellebuyck as finalists this year are Darcy Kuemper of the Washington Capitals and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning, both also previous nominees with impressive credentials. The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas this June.
A Season to Remember
Hellebuyck’s 2024–25 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. He led the league in wins with 47, posted eight shutouts, and recorded a league-best .925 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against average (GAA). These dominant numbers helped power the Jets to a playoff berth and anchored their defense through a tightly contested Western Conference season.
Despite the Jets’ disappointing first-round playoff exit against the St. Louis Blues, Hellebuyck’s regular-season performance stood out as a key reason for the team’s success. Night after night, he delivered game-saving stops and maintained consistency that allowed the Jets to stay competitive even during stretches of offensive struggle.
Jets head coach Rick Bowness praised his goaltender after the announcement: “Connor is the backbone of our team. His preparation, poise, and performance this season were nothing short of elite. He absolutely deserves this recognition.”
A Familiar Name in Vezina Talks
This latest Vezina nod places Hellebuyck in rare company. He previously won the award in the 2019–20 season and was a finalist in 2023–24, narrowly missing out to Igor Shesterkin. If he takes home the trophy this year, he would become only the second Jets goaltender in franchise history to win multiple Vezinas, further cementing his legacy in Winnipeg.
Hellebuyck has credited a more structured offseason training program, along with improved communication with the Jets’ defensive corps, as major factors in his continued excellence.
“This one feels special,” Hellebuyck said in a post-practice media session. “I’ve grown a lot in the last few years, and this season, everything just clicked. I’m proud of the work we put in as a team, and being named a finalist is a reflection of that.”
Impact Beyond the Crease
Off the ice, Hellebuyck has also become a vocal leader and mentor in the Jets locker room. Younger players have praised his leadership, and the organization has leaned on his presence as a stabilizing force during times of transition.
As the NHL community awaits the final vote, fans in Winnipeg and across the hockey world will be watching closely to see if Hellebuyck can claim his second Vezina Trophy—and officially reaffirm his place among the league’s best.
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