The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the best goaltender in the National Hockey League (NHL). It is one of the most prestigious individual awards that a player can win in the league. The Vezina Trophy has been awarded since the 1926-27 NHL season and has been won by some of the greatest goaltenders in league history.
As the 2023 NHL season comes closer, the question of who deserves to win the Vezina Trophy is on the minds of hockey fans worldwide. So, who could potentially win the Vezina Trophy in 2023?
One goaltender who has been making waves in recent years is Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Vasilevskiy won the Vezina Trophy in the 2018-19 season, and he has been one of the most dominant goaltenders in the league ever since. During the 2021-22 NHL season, Vasilevskiy had a .925 save percentage (SV%), which was the second-highest in the league. He also had a 2.02 goals-against average (GAA) and 33 wins, which led the league. With the Lightning expected to be contenders once again in 2023, Vasilevskiy could very well be a top candidate for the Vezina Trophy.
Another goaltender who could potentially win the Vezina Trophy in 2023 is Jacob Markstrom of the Calgary Flames. Markstrom had an outstanding 2021-22 season, posting a .922 SV%, a 2.28 GAA, and 27 wins. He also had three shutouts, which tied him for second in the league. Markstrom has been underrated for much of his career, but his performances with the Flames have put him on the map. If he can continue his impressive play in 2023, he could definitely be in the running for the Vezina Trophy.
Lastly, John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is another goaltender who could make a case for winning the Vezina Trophy in 2023. Gibson has been the backbone of the Ducks for several seasons now, and his numbers reflect that. During the 2021-22 season, Gibson had a .921 SV%, a 2.51 GAA, and 16 wins. He also faced the most shots in the league (1,798), which highlights how much his team relies on him. If the Ducks can improve and make the playoffs in 2023, Gibson’s chances of winning the Vezina Trophy will only increase.
In conclusion, the 2023 Vezina Trophy could be awarded to any of the three goaltenders mentioned above. Each of them has demonstrated that they have the ability to be dominant in the league and lead their respective teams to success. As the 2023 NHL season approaches, all eyes will be on these goaltenders and their performances on the ice.
