Vezina Trophy Rankings: Kuemper making case to be finalist

Welcome to the sixth edition of theScore's 2024-25 Vezina Trophy Rankings, a monthly look at the top goaltenders across the NHL.

We've reached the final two weeks of the regular season, and there are no surprises left in the race. Rather than analyzing who's been hot of late, like we did in previous instalments of this series, this edition factors in the entire campaign as it comes to a close.

GSAA = Goals saved above average
GSAx = Goals saved above expected

5. Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars

Previous: Unranked

Oettinger hasn't been consistent enough to warrant serious consideration, but he ranks among the top 10 in all the above criteria and has backstopped a Stanley Cup-contending Stars team that's blown past the 100-point plateau. That's enough for a fringe spot on our list.

The 26-year-old is widely seen as talented enough to compete for the Vezina year in and year out, but a few dips in performance over the campaign took him out of the running. He posted an .896 save percentage in 10 November games, and an inflated 3.21 goals against average in February. He's rounded into form as the playoffs near, though, registering a .919 clip in 12 appearances since the beginning of March.

4. Logan Thompson, Capitals

Previous: 3

Thompson's struggles down the stretch have knocked him out of podium position for the first time in months. His 6-3-1 record since March 1 is respectable, but his other stats have taken a huge hit. Thompson owns a .876 save percentage over that stretch, and ranks toward the bottom of the league with minus-6.28 GSAA and minus-2.14 GSAx.

On top of performance issues, Thompson's recent injury could be the death knell in his Vezina finalist chances.

3. Darcy Kuemper, Kings

Previous: Unranked

While Thompson's plummeted, Kuemper's surged into the mix with a dominant stretch. His lack of ice time hurts his case, but Kuemper forced himself into the conversation by winning 10 of his last 15 starts with a .940 save percentage and three shutouts. He trails only our top two candidates in both GSAA and GSAx on the season, and ranks second in goals against average among netminders to make 40 appearances.

There were a lot of questions about the Kings' decision to acquire Kuemper from the Capitals after two underwhelming seasons in D.C., but it's turned out to be a savvy move that's panned out for both sides. If this Kuemper shows up in the playoffs, the Kings are a major threat to go on a run.

2. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning

Previous: 2

Vasilevskiy looks poised to be a Vezina finalist for the fourth time in his 11-year career, but is still an extreme long shot to win - he's up against a guy who's had the trophy all but locked up since November. Still, the Lightning netminder has had a remarkable bounce-back season after posting the worst statistical campaign of his NHL tenure in 2023-24.

The 2021 Conn Smythe winner ranks second in virtually every important category this season and has re-emerged as one of the league's elite netminders. We shouldn't be surprised at Vasilevskiy's resurgence, but teams in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket should be worried.

1. Connor Hellebuyck, Jets

Previous: 1

Hellebuyck has been the best, most consistent netminder all season long, and it would be a travesty if he weren't named the back-to-back Vezina Trophy winner. He leads the league in wins, goals against average, save percentage, GSAA, GSAx, and shutouts, and his team is on track to win the Presidents' Trophy. Even though there have been some good seasons behind him on this list, it wouldn't be a shock if Hellebuyck unanimously takes the award.

With the Vezina Trophy sewn up, the conversation should shift to whether he also deserves the Hart Trophy.

(Analytics source: Evolving-Hockey)