Hellebuyck, Shesterkin Favorites to Win Vezina
If the odds are any indication, the battle for the Vezina this season could be an absolute barn-burner with several goalies chasing the coveted award. Among the favorites, Jeremy Swayman, Igor Shesterkin, and last year’s winner, Connor Hellebuyck, who goes for his third honor. But is there a dark horse looming? Let’s take a look.
Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers +600
In the last three seasons, Igor Shesterkin has the most regular season wins with 109, is second in shutouts with 13 and the second most playoff victories with 23. And he won this award in 2021-22. Shesterkin enters the final year of his current deal and if he puts up big numbers, he stands to get paid handsomely.
Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins +600
Jeremy Swayman remains unsigned but expected to sign and could be in line for a career year. The 25-year old put up eye-popping numbers in the playoffs, a .933 save percentage and 2.15 goals-against average. He’s proved he can be a number one goal and handle the pressures of playing in a hockey market. With the addition of Nikita Zadorov on the backend, Swayman will have more help in front of the net.
Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets +700
Connor Hellebuyck won the Vezina for the second time in his career last season and tries to become the first goalie to go back-to-back since Martin Brodeur in 2007-08. He’s in the prime of his career and is motivated because many remember him in the playoffs giving up 24 goals in five games to the Avalanche.
Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks +1000
Thatcher Demko was a finalist last year after going 35-14-2 in 51 games. But the biggest concerns surrounding the 28-year old is his health. He was re-injured in the playoffs and won’t be fully healthy until after the regular season begins. Demko is entering his prime but has been hindered by injuries. He is capable of putting together an excellent season but with health concerns, he’s likely someone you’d stay away from.
Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators +1400
Jusse Saros had a strong season going 35-24-5 with a 2.86 GAA, .906 save percentage and three shutouts, and got the Predators into the postseason. He led the NHL in starts (64), shots faced (1,845) and saves (1,672). He also has a new goalie coach as Mitch Korn returns to Nashville where he coached from 1998-2014. Korn has the pedigree of producing Vezina Trophy winners, (Pekka Rinne, Dominik Hasek and Braden Holtby) so this could be Sarros’ breakout season.
Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers +1600
He’s coming off a Stanley Cup win and was a Vezina finalist last season, and with minor changes to the Panthers lineup, Sergei Bobrovsky should be in the conversation for this award again. He’s won the Vezina twice and been a finalist three times in his career. If he can match last season’s numbers, 36-17-4, 2.37 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and six shutouts in 58 starts, he could complete the Vezina hat-trick.
Longshot Play Pyotr Kochetkov, Carolina Hurricanes +3300
Pyotr Kochetkov will begin the season splitting the nets with veteran Frederik Andersen, but at some point he’ll take over as the main guy. The Russian has played a couple of seasons in the NHL and in 69 games, he has a 38-20-9 record with a .910 save percentage and a 2.37 GAA. He also has eight shutouts already. If you’re looking for a dark horse, Kochetkov is the play.
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