Connor Hellebuyck has officially been named a finalist for the 2025 Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player judged most valuable to his team. It’s a rare distinction for a goaltender — only eight netminders in league history have won the award, with Carey Price being the most recent in 2015. But after a stellar season between the pipes, Hellebuyck left voters little choice.

The 31-year-old was nothing short of dominant in 2024–25. He led the NHL in wins (47), ranked second in save percentage (.925), and recorded a 2.01 goals-against average across 62 starts. Beyond the numbers, his consistency and poise anchored a Winnipeg Jets team that often relied on his elite-level play to stay in contention. Whether they were outshot, outskated, or simply off their game, Hellebuyck gave Winnipeg a chance to win every single night. He delivered in the big moments, made timely saves, and carried the team through rare rough stretches of hockey.

Hellebuyck is the first player in Jets/Thrashers franchise history to be named a Hart Trophy finalist, and only the third goaltender in the past decade to receive that honor.

If he wins, he will become just the fourth goalie in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967–68) to capture the Hart, joining Dominik Hasek (1996–97, 1997–98), Jose Theodore (2001–02), and Carey Price (2014–15).

Joining Hellebuyck as 2025 finalists are Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov.

Draisaitl, 29, led the NHL with 52 goals, tied for third in points (106), and posted a career-best plus-32 rating in 71 games. A previous Hart winner in 2019–20, he’s now a two-time finalist.

Kucherov, 31, topped the league in points for the second consecutive season, recording 121 (37 goals, 84 assists). The 2018–19 Hart Trophy winner is now a three-time finalist.

While the league is stacked with offensive firepower, Hellebuyck’s impact in net stands out — reminding the hockey world that true value sometimes lies in the crease.