What Happened
On June 12, 2025, Connor Hellebuyck, the goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets, was awarded both the Hart Trophy and the Vezina Trophy, marking a significant achievement in his career. The Hart Trophy is given annually to the player deemed most valuable to his team, while the Vezina Trophy recognizes the best goaltender in the NHL. Hellebuyck’s dual victory is particularly notable as he is the first goalie to win both awards in the same season since Carey Price in 2015, and only the fourth goaltender to achieve this since the NHL’s expansion in 1967.
Hellebuyck’s performance during the 2024-25 season was exceptional, leading the league with 47 wins and achieving a goals-against average of 2.00, along with eight shutouts. His contributions helped the Jets secure the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. Despite his individual accolades, the Jets’ playoff run was less successful, as they were eliminated in the second round.
Key Details
- Awards: Hellebuyck won the Hart Trophy (MVP) and Vezina Trophy (best goaltender).
- Historical Context: He is the first goaltender to win both awards in the same season since Carey Price in 2015 and only the fourth overall in the expansion era.
- Season Statistics:
- Wins: 47 (led the NHL)
- Goals-Against Average: 2.00 (led qualified goalies)
- Shutouts: 8 (led the NHL)
- Save Percentage: .925 (second-best among goalies)
- Voting Results: Hellebuyck received 81 first-place votes for the Hart Trophy, totaling 1,346 points. Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers was the runner-up with 1,209 points. For the Vezina Trophy, he received 31 of 32 first-place votes from NHL general managers.
- Playoff Performance: Hellebuyck’s playoff statistics were less impressive, with a 6-7 record, a save percentage of .866, and a goals-against average of 3.08.
Multiple Perspectives
The recognition of Hellebuyck as the NHL MVP has garnered a range of responses. Supporters highlight his pivotal role in the Jets’ success during the regular season, emphasizing that his individual statistics reflect his skill and importance to the team. His family and teammates expressed joy and pride during the award announcement, noting the emotional significance of the moment.
Conversely, some analysts may argue that the MVP award should be reserved for players who contribute to their teams’ playoff success. Hellebuyck’s struggles in the postseason, where he was pulled from games and had a subpar save percentage, could lead to discussions about the criteria for the Hart Trophy. Critics might contend that a player’s overall impact should be evaluated not just in the regular season but also in high-stakes playoff scenarios.
Context & Background
The Hart Trophy has a long history, with only a few goaltenders winning the award since the NHL’s expansion in 1967. Hellebuyck joins the ranks of Dominik Hasek, Jose Theodore, and Carey Price, who have all achieved this feat. His performance this season has been viewed as a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, particularly as he became the first repeat Vezina winner since Martin Brodeur in the late 2000s.
The Jets’ achievement of the Presidents’ Trophy also adds a layer of significance to Hellebuyck’s awards. This recognition marks a milestone for the franchise, which has historically struggled to find consistent success in the league. The dual awards for Hellebuyck could be seen as a reflection of the Jets’ overall development and competitiveness in the NHL.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While Hellebuyck’s achievements are well-documented, questions remain about the future trajectory of both the player and the Jets. How will Hellebuyck’s performance influence his contract negotiations and future with the Jets? Additionally, the team’s ability to build on their regular-season success and improve their playoff performance will be closely monitored in the coming seasons.
Moreover, the implications of Hellebuyck’s awards on the perception of goaltenders in the MVP conversation could lead to discussions about how the league evaluates player contributions. As the NHL evolves, it will be interesting to see how the criteria for awards like the Hart Trophy may shift in response to changing dynamics in the game.
In conclusion, Connor Hellebuyck’s recognition as the NHL MVP for the 2024-25 season highlights both his individual excellence and the broader narrative of the Winnipeg Jets’ growth as a competitive team in the league. The dual awards serve as a testament to his skill and dedication, while also prompting discussions about the criteria for evaluating player contributions in both regular-season and playoff contexts.
