Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is having an outstanding season and is deservedly right in the thick of the Hart Memorial Trophy race. Could he be the first netminder to be named the NHL’s most valuable player in a decade?

The Vezina Trophy race is easily the most boring trophy race this season because it already feels like it’s wrapped up. Through 35 games, Connor Hellebuyck has pulled away from the rest of the competition for the award with a .

They’re now 3-4-3 since the Christmas break, partially due to a major uptick in quality chances allowed at five-on-five; they were at 2.18 per 60 heading into the holiday, fourth-best in the NHL. In the 10 games since, though, they’re over 2.5.

Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves to win his 300th career game as the Winnipeg Jets defeated the visiting Nashville Predators 5-2 on Tuesday.

The NFL is not the only sport that is going to have an intense MVP debate. As the 2024-25 NHL season reaches its halfway point, the Hart Trophy (MVP) race is still extremely wide open with several contenders emerging.

The Central Division-leading Winnipeg Jets are set to host the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, with both teams eager for a victory -- though for different reasons.

Between pipes against Seattle

Hellebuyck has earned a shutout in three straight regular season meetings with Colorado. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner had 35 saves in a 1-0 win on Nov. 7 and 30 saves in a 7-0 win on April 13. He is 15-7-4 with five shutouts in 26 regular-season games against the Avalanche, including 8-1-0 in his past nine.

How good are the Winnipeg Jets this season? Really good is the answer. They are currently tied with the also surprising Washington Capitals to lead the NHL with 63 points. For the Jets, Kyle Connor‘s offensive production is one reason for the team’s success.

Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 shots for his sixth shutout of the season as the Winnipeg Jets beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-0.

Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Carolina Hurricanes centre Jordan Staal and Detroit Red Wings right winger Patrick Kane were named the three stars of the week by the NHL on Monday.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save on Nashville Predators’ Michael McCarron (47 ...