Connor Hellebuyck captures first career Hart Trophy, third career Vezina

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Connor Hellebuyck has formally received his first ever Hart Memorial Trophy, and the Vezina Trophy, marking his second straight and third Vezina Trophy of his profession.

The @NHL MVP is a Winnipeg Jet! ✈️ 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WAAfaqYVhd

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 12, 2025

The Vezina Trophy is awarded yearly to the goaltender adjudged to be the most effective at his place, as voted by the overall managers of all NHL golf equipment.

The Hart Memorial Trophy is awarded yearly to the participant judged to be probably the most priceless to his workforce within the NHL throughout the common season. The winner is chosen by the Skilled Hockey Writers’ Affiliation (PHWA) by means of a vote on the finish of the common season.

Coming into the season with a recent seven-year extension, Hellebuyck had expectations sky-high — and he didn’t simply meet them, he shattered them. The 2024–25 marketing campaign turned out to be one of the dominant common seasons of his profession. However when the playoffs hit, issues unraveled quick, and acquainted issues resurfaced.

A Historic Common Season

Hellebuyck was elite from opening night time to the season finale. He completed with a 47–12–3 file throughout 62 begins, main the league in:

Wins (47)

Objectives-against common (2.00)

Shutouts (8)

His .925 save share ranked second within the NHL and underscored simply how dependable he was night time after night time.

In January, he turned the third-fastest goalie in NHL historical past to succeed in 300 profession wins, including one other milestone to an already spectacular résumé.

His 2024–25 season additionally earned him:

A Vezina Trophy finalist nod (which he in the end received)

The William M. Jennings Trophy (fewest workforce targets allowed)

A Hart Trophy finalist spot for league MVP (which he additionally received)

Merely put, Hellebuyck wasn’t simply good — he was the spine of a Jets workforce that battled on the high of the Western Convention all 12 months lengthy.

Playoff woes return

Sadly for Hellebuyck and the Jets, the regular-season success didn’t carry into the postseason. They ended up in a canine combat with the St. Louis Blues, a collection the Jets fortunately received in seven video games.

Hellebuyck gave up 15 targets within the first 4 video games and completed with a .817 save share — the worst amongst all playoff starters. In simply two begins, he allowed 11 targets on 43 photographs, good for a staggering .744 SV%.

This wasn’t only a one-time slip. Since 2021, Hellebuyck’s playoff numbers have taken a gentle dip. This 12 months, he regarded caught in between — over-adjusting, possibly even second-guessing himself. Opponents clogged the crease, screened him closely, and threw him off his rhythm.

Hellebuyck’s third Vezina Trophy is a testomony to simply how dominant he’s been within the common season, particularly over the previous two years. He stays the spine of the Jets and one of many NHL’s elite goaltenders. However as Winnipeg appears to be like to take the subsequent step, the main focus will shift as to if that regular-season brilliance can lastly carry over into the playoffs.

PRESENTED BY PRAIRIE TOYOTA DEALERS 

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