Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has made headlines by winning both the Hart Trophy for NHL MVP and the Vezina Trophy for the best goaltender, becoming the first player in his position to achieve this dual honor since Carey Price a decade ago. The announcement was made during an awards show prior to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, hosted by actor Isaiah Mustafa.
Hellebuyck received overwhelming support in the Vezina voting, securing 31 out of 32 first-place votes, and he won the Vezina Trophy for the second consecutive year and the third time in his career. His stellar performance this season helped propel the Jets to the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular season and the William Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals, despite their playoff run ending in the second round against the Dallas Stars.
Following Hellebuyck in the Hart Trophy voting, Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl finished second, while Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov took third, just one point ahead of Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon. Notably, Kucherov, who dominated the scoring charts with 122 points, was also awarded the Ted Lindsay Award, recognizing him as the most outstanding player as voted by his peers.
Draisaitl, the recipient of the Rocket Richard Trophy for the most goals scored, previously won the Hart Trophy in 2020. Meanwhile, Los Angeles captain Anze Kopitar earned the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct for the third time.
Many of the awards were revealed over the preceding weeks without prior notice, fostering a sense of surprise among the NHL community. Other notable awards included the Norris Trophy for top defenseman given to Colorado’s Cale Makar, Florida’s Aleksander Barkov winning the Selke Trophy for best defensive forward, and Washington’s Spencer Carbery securing the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year.
Hellebuyck’s accolades reflect not only his individual talent but also bring hope and recognition to the Winnipeg Jets as they continue to build their competitive legacy in the league.