What Happened
On June 12, 2025, Connor Hellebuyck, the goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets, was awarded both the Hart Trophy and the Vezina Trophy during a surprise announcement while he was fishing in Michigan. The Hart Trophy is awarded to the NHL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), while the Vezina Trophy recognizes the league’s best goaltender. Hellebuyck’s achievements this season have placed him in a select group of players who have won both awards in the same year, a feat accomplished by only five goalies in the history of the NHL.
Hellebuyck’s performance during the 2024-25 season was remarkable. He led the league with 47 wins, tying for the second-most victories in NHL history. His statistics included a goals-against average of 2.00, eight shutouts, and a save percentage of .925, which ranked second among goalies. His contributions were pivotal in helping the Jets secure the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record, as well as the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals during the season.
Key Details
- Awards: Hellebuyck won the Hart Trophy for MVP and the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender.
- Performance Stats: He recorded 47 wins, a 2.00 goals-against average, eight shutouts, and a .925 save percentage.
- Historical Context: Hellebuyck is the first goalie to win both the Hart and Vezina in the same season since Carey Price in 2014-15. He is only the fifth goalie in NHL history to achieve this, following Dominik Hasek, Jose Theodore, and Jacques Plante.
- Voting Results: Hellebuyck received 81 first-place votes and a total of 1,346 points for the Hart Trophy. Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers was the runner-up with 1,209 points, while Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning finished third with 973 points. For the Vezina Trophy, Hellebuyck received 31 out of 32 first-place votes, totaling 158 points, significantly ahead of Andrei Vasilevskiy (80 points) and Darcy Kuemper (33 points).
Multiple Perspectives
The announcement of Hellebuyck’s awards has been met with widespread acclaim within the hockey community. His family and friends expressed joy and pride during the surprise celebration, highlighting the emotional significance of his achievements. Hellebuyck himself described the day as one of the greatest moments of his career, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that led to his success.
Conversely, some analysts may argue that the recognition of a goaltender as MVP can overshadow the contributions of forwards, who typically dominate the scoring charts. Critics of the MVP voting system might suggest that the criteria for the Hart Trophy should be reevaluated to ensure that it reflects the contributions of all players, not just those in goal.
Context & Background
The Hart Trophy has been awarded since 1924 and is one of the most prestigious honors in the NHL. Traditionally, it has been dominated by forwards, with only a handful of goaltenders winning the award in the league’s history. Hellebuyck’s win marks a significant moment for goalies in the league, as it underscores the critical role they play in a team’s success.
Hellebuyck’s performance this season is particularly notable given the competitive nature of the NHL, where many teams have strong offensive players. His ability to maintain a high level of play throughout the season, especially in crucial games, has drawn attention to the importance of goaltending in achieving team success.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While Hellebuyck’s awards and performance are well-documented, there are still uncertainties regarding the future implications of his achievements. Questions remain about how this season’s performance will impact his career trajectory and the Winnipeg Jets’ strategy moving forward. Additionally, the long-term effects of his recognition on the perception of goaltenders in the MVP conversation are yet to be fully understood.
Furthermore, the dynamics of the upcoming seasons, including potential changes in team rosters and the performance of other players, could influence the competitive landscape of the NHL. As the league continues to evolve, the significance of Hellebuyck’s dual awards may shape discussions about the value of goaltending in the context of overall team performance and success.
