Hart and Vezina Trophies: Connor Hellebuyck accidentally revealed as winner?

The photo shows what strongly appears to be Connor Hellebuyck, posing behind two trophies: the Vezina, awarded to the best goaltender of the regular season, and the Hart, awarded to the team’s most valuable player (MVP).

According to reports, the photo was taken in the backyard of Connor Hellebuyck’s Michigan home.

In short, everything suggests that Hellebuyck would have won both trophies, which would be entirely deserved, given that these trophies only count regular-season performances, not playoff ones.

Hellebuyck, 32, was by far the NHL’s best goaltender this season, with 47 wins, eight shutouts, a .925 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against average.

Hellbuyck’s stats helped the Jets finish first in the NHL and claim the Presidents’ Trophy.

Unfortunately for Hellebuyck and the Jets, Hellbuyck’s performances didn’t translate into the playoffs, as the American struggled mightily, especially away from home, which explains the Jets’ second-round elimination in six games against the Dallas Stars.

In short, if the photo really does turn out to reveal the winner, Hellebuyck would become the 8th goalie and first since Carey Price in 2015 to win the Hart Trophy.

Hellebuyck had never won it before, but he had already won the Vezina twice, in 2019-2020 and 2023-2024.

The Jets goaltender would therefore win a second Vezina trophy in a row.

Overtime

– What a touching moment.

– Read more.

– Coming up.