NHL Odds To Win Vezina Trophy 2022-2023: Who’s the Frontrunner?
As the NHL season approaches, fans and bettors are already buzzing with excitement, wondering which goaltender will be crowned the winner of the Vezina Trophy for the 2022-2023 season. The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the league’s best goaltender, and it’s one of the most prestigious individual honors in the sport.
The Vezina Trophy: A Brief History
The Vezina Trophy was first awarded in the 1926-1927 NHL season and was named after Georges Vezina, a former goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens who tragically died of tuberculosis in 1926. The trophy is voted on by the league’s general managers at the end of the regular season, and it recognizes the goaltender who is adjudged to be the best at his position.
Contenders for the 2022-2023 Season
Heading into the upcoming season, several goaltenders stand out as potential front-runners for the Vezina Trophy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top contenders:
1. Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Vasilevskiy has been a dominant force between the pipes for the Tampa Bay Lightning in recent years. He has already won the Vezina Trophy three times in the past four seasons and shows no signs of slowing down. With incredible reflexes, exceptional athleticism, and superb positioning, Vasilevskiy is undoubtedly one of the favorites to win the award once again.
2. Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
Hellebuyck has been the backbone of the Winnipeg Jets’ success in recent seasons. He won the Vezina Trophy in the 2019-2020 season, and his consistent performance has made him a perennial contender. With his calm demeanor, strong technical skills, and ability to make key saves in crucial moments, Hellebuyck is likely to be in the conversation for the award yet again.
3. Marc-Andre Fleury (Chicago Blackhawks)
After an exceptional season with the Vegas Golden Knights, Fleury was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks during the offseason. Fleury won the Vezina Trophy for the first time in his career last season, showcasing his remarkable agility and ability to make acrobatic saves. While transitioning to a new team can be challenging, Fleury’s talent and experience make him a strong candidate to repeat as the Vezina Trophy winner.
4. Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues)
Binnington burst onto the NHL scene during the 2018-2019 season, leading the St. Louis Blues to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory. Since then, he has established himself as one of the league’s top goaltenders. Binnington excels in high-pressure situations and possesses a strong mental game, which is crucial for success in the playoffs. If he can maintain his outstanding form throughout the regular season, Binnington has a legitimate chance at capturing the Vezina Trophy.
5. Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida Panthers)
Bobrovsky had a down year during the 2020-2021 season, but he rebounded in a remarkable fashion last season for the Florida Panthers. Known for his technical prowess and exceptional lateral movement, Bobrovsky has already won the Vezina Trophy twice in his career. If he can sustain his resurgence, Bobrovsky will undoubtedly be a strong contender for the award once again.
Conclusion
As the 2022-2023 NHL season gets underway, the race for the Vezina Trophy promises to be an exciting one. While the goaltenders mentioned above are all strong candidates, anything can happen in the fast-paced world of hockey. Ultimately, it will come down to their individual performances and how they contribute to their respective teams. Only time will tell who will emerge as the winner of the Vezina Trophy, but one thing is for certain: the competition will be fierce and the stakes will be high.
