Last season, Connor Hellebuyck stood out in the Vezina Trophy race. Now, Jeremy Swayman and Igor Shesterkin will challenge him. The early odds for the 2024-25 NHL season show the three goalies leading with odds around +600 to +900, per sportsbook.
The NHL's latest tweet on X (formerly Twitter) provoked heated controversy among NHL fans.
Jeremy Swayman, Igor Shesterkin, and Connor Hellebuyck share equal +600 odds, showing a wide-open race with high expectations for these top goalies.
Following the post, NHL fans began reacting to it on X.
"This is an insult to Thatcher Demko," one fan said.
"How did swayman get on this list, let alone top odds," another fan commented.
"Igor Shesterkin. He was dominant this year. He will be for the rest of his career.," one X user said.
Take a look at some more reactions from NHL fans on X.
"Hellebuyck likely will deserve it, but won't win back to back without one of the best goalie seasons ever," one fan commented.
"It has to be Hellebuyck he was by far the best and most consistent goalie and it’s not even close.," a fan tweeted.
"Sorry. I don't pay any attention to that. This year is Demko's year.," one fan said.
Goalies like Thatcher Demko and Ilya Sorokin are close contenders. Consistency throughout the season is vital. The odds reflect uncertainty—no clear favorite, all contenders start equal. This shows how unpredictable the Vezina Trophy race can be in hockey's elite goaltending ranks.
Connor Hellebuyck wins second Vezina Trophy and looks for more with new coach
On June 27, 2024, Connor Hellebuyck won his second Vezina Trophy, honoring the NHL's best goalie for the 2023-24 season.
This time, he thanked his coach, learning from past errors.
“It was nerve-racking just making sure I didn’t miss anyone this time,” Hellebuyck said (via NHL.com on June 27, 2024).
He celebrated with family and friends at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas. He missed this chance in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Hellebuyck looks forward to working with new coach Scott Arniel in Winnipeg.
“It’s very exciting,” Hellebuyck said (via NHL.com). “The phone call that I had with him was very encouraging. I want him to know how bought in I am and how much I am looking forward to having him coach us.”
Hellebuyck, the 23rd goalie with multiple wins, valued their support greatly. He finished with strong numbers in wins, save percentage, and goals against average. Despite playoff challenges, he remains focused on the Stanley Cup next season.