Examining the Early Candidates for the Vezina Trophy

As the 2025-26 NHL season reaches its one-month mark, it's the perfect time to assess which goaltenders are emerging as early contenders for the prestigious Vezina Trophy. Awarded annually to the league's top goaltender, as voted by the 32 NHL general managers, the Vezina Trophy has seen recent winners like Connor Hellebuyck, Igor Shesterkin, and Andrei Vasilevskiy. This early-season evaluation includes not only the established stars but also some surprising newcomers.

Top Contenders

Among the frontrunners, Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets continues to make a case for a third consecutive Vezina win, boasting impressive stats including seven wins, a .921 save percentage, and a 2.30 goals-against average through the opening month.

Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers, the 2021-22 Vezina winner, is also in the mix. Despite the Rangers' rocky start, Shesterkin has maintained strong numbers, allowing two goals or fewer in half of his starts with a GAA of 2.50.

Notable Performers

Several other goalies are also making waves this season:

• Jake Allen, New Jersey Devils: With a 2.29 GAA and .914 save percentage in six wins, Allen has performed admirably while filling in for the injured Jacob Markstrom.
• Tristan Jarry, Pittsburgh Penguins: Before a lower-body injury sidelined him, Jarry posted a solid 2.60 GAA with a shutout in his brief stint this season.
• Akira Schmid, Vegas Golden Knights: Stepping in for the injured Adin Hill, Schmid has won six of eight starts with a solid 2.51 GAA.
• Karel Vejmelka, Utah Mammoth: Leading the league with eight wins and sporting a 2.84 GAA, Vejmelka is a name to watch as the season progresses.
• Jakub Dobeš, Montréal Canadiens: This rookie goalie has dazzled with a .920 save percentage and a 2.25 GAA, earning NHL's Third Star of the Month for October 2025.
• Artūrs Šilovs, Pittsburgh Penguins: His initial performances have shown promise, making him a dark horse candidate with a 2.49 GAA and a .916 save percentage.

Other Players to Watch

Not to be overlooked, Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings and Lukáš Dostál of the Anaheim Ducks are also putting in strong performances that could see them also enter the Vezina race as the season progresses.

With the season still young, the landscape of the Vezina Trophy race is sure to evolve. As these goaltenders continue their campaigns, fans will be eagerly watching to see who will emerge as the NHL's top netminder.