Winnipeg Jets’ star goalie Connor Hellebuyck has achieved something extraordinary in the 2024–25 NHL season. He not only claimed the Vezina Trophy for the third time but also won the prestigious Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player.
This dual triumph hadn’t happened since Carey Price achieved it in 2015. Hellebuyck’s journey this season reflects dedication, skill, and top-level performance that made him central to his team’s success.
Hellebuyck’s Regular-Season Brilliance
Throughout the regular season, Hellebuyck looked unbeatable. He played in 63 games, recording an outstanding 2.00 goals-against average (GAA) and a .925 save percentage. His win–loss record stood at 47–12–3, making him only the seventh NHL goalie ever to reach 45 wins in one season.
It was the first time any goalie had done so since Braden Holtby in 2015–16. Thanks to his stellar performance, the Jets secured the Presidents’ Trophy as the top team in the regular season. That achievement alone underlines why he was a strong MVP candidate.
Legacy Among Great Goaltenders
By securing his third Vezina Trophy, Hellebuyck joined an elite group. Only Dominik Hasek, Patrick Roy, and Martin Brodeur have won the award three times or more since the voting change in 1981–82.
Hasek leads with six, Brodeur has four, and Roy has three. Hellebuyck’s place among these legends signals that he’s carving out a lasting legacy.
Playoff Challenges and Future Goals
Despite his regular-season excellence, Hellebuyck’s playoff run wasn’t as dominant. He finished with a 6–7 record, a 3.08 GAA, and an .866 save percentage over 13 games. The Jets failed to go deep in the playoffs, showing that Hellebuyck still has work to do on the big stage. Clearly, he’s determined to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Staying Loyal and Looking Ahead
Hellebuyck’s contract holds him with the Jets for another six seasons at a reasonable $8.5 million average annual value. He could have left for a bigger payday elsewhere, but he chose Winnipeg—a team with a solid chance at success.
That decision shows his loyalty and commitment to winning, not just getting paid. Next season, he’ll have another chance to prove himself in the playoffs.
Connor Hellebuyck’s 2024–25 season was nothing short of remarkable. He dominated the regular season, helped lead his team to the Presidents’ Trophy, and earned the rare double of the Hart and Vezina Trophies—an honour only a few goaltenders have ever achieved.
Though the playoffs didn’t go as planned, Hellebuyck has the talent, mindset, and support to build on this performance. With years ahead in his prime, he is well on his way to cementing his place among hockey’s greatest goaltenders.
