As the NHL season heats up, it's time to take a closer look at the top contenders for the coveted Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender. This year's race features a talented crop of netminders, but who has the edge? Let's break down the top goaltenders and their odds of winning the Vezina Trophy.
Linus Ullmark (-150)
If the NHL was going to hand out the Vezina right now, it would most likely go to Boston Bruins’ goaltender Linus Ullmark. Other goaltenders grade out better in some categories, but none can beat the 29-year-old’s 25-4-1 record or his .936 save percentage. There are still 30-plus games left to be played, and a lot can happen between now and then, but the Bruins would not be chasing history if not for Ullmark, who leads the league in traditional categories like wins, save percentage and goals against average. Hockey writers vote on the winners of six individual player awards, but NHL general managers vote on the Vezina Trophy winner, and it might not be at the top of their list of priorities. If a goaltender like Ullmark continues to lead the NHL in those three main categories, he’ll be the obvious choice for voters looking for an easy out.Connor Hellebuyck (+400)
Hellebuyck has had a great season. He’s currently among the top-three goaltenders in wins and save percentage, but at this point, why would anyone bet him to win the Vezina Trophy at 400 when the Jets' odds of winning the Central Division are sitting at 600? Hellebuyck has played more games than any other goaltender, and he’s saved approximately 24 goals above expected, but the former Vezina Trophy winner is going to need to lead Winnipeg to a Central Division title to win the award.Jake Oettinger (+800)
If Hellebuyck is 400 to win the award, surely Jake Oettinger should have better odds than 800. Statistically, Oettinger and Hellebuyck have had almost identical seasons, and the Stars' odds of winning the Central Division are currently -145. The 24-year-old ranks among the top-five goaltenders in goals saved above expected wins and save percentage.