Vezina Trophy finalists announced; former Leafs goalie snubbed in vote

On Tuesday, the NHL announced the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy, the annual award given to the NHL's best goaltender of the season.

The three finalists are Igor Shesterkin from the New York Rangers, Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames netminder Jacob Markström. Left off this list in a surprising turn is former-Leaf and now-Hurricane, Frederik Andersen.

All four goaltenders mentioned above played beyond expectations and on most nights, downright insane. The entire NHL is aware of what Igor Shesterkin has done in New York. The 26-year-old put together one of the strongest resumes in recent memory, dragging the Rangers to a playoff spot with a 36-13-4 record, six shutouts, and a ridiculous .935 save percentage.

Meanwhile, Saros earns his first-ever nomination this season, following up on a fantastic pandemic-shortened 2021 campaign by firmly establishing himself as one of the NHL's best.�With a 38-25-3 record and a sparkling .918 save percentage, the 27-year-old started 67 of Nashville's 82 total games, a league-best number at an astounding workload,�leading�the team to a playoff berth.

Jacob Markström got right to work when the puck dropped in October, bringing the Flames back into contention with a stellar season that makes his hefty contract look like a steal. Markström went 37-15-9 with a league-high nine shutouts in 63 games, establishing a fantastic .922 save percentage and becoming Calgary's first bona-fide starter since Miikka Kiprusoff.

Frederik Andersen lands in the honourable mention category for this season in part due to his team's defense-first mentality, and the ludicrous competition/workload of his fellow goaltending adversaries. But don't get it wrong, Andersen will be going into this off-season frustrated and ready to build upon an incredible 2021-2022 campaign that saw him finesse a 2.17 goals-against average, .922 save percentage, and four shutouts on 52 games played - his best stats to date.

All that's left to see now is which of these elite three nominees will take home the hardware? We'll find out in June.

MUST READ

12 hours ago  |  By Dean Chaudhry Ex-Leafs Enforcer Turned Podcaster Shares Strong Opinion on Auston Matthews Situation

17 hours ago  |  By Mike Armenti Ex-NHLer Accuses Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs of Being Dishonest with the Public

Dec 24  |  By Dean Chaudhry Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews Believed to Have Reached an Understanding Surrounding His Health

Dec 24  |  By Mike Armenti Spittin' Chiclets Co-Host Has a Special Message for Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews

Dec 24  |  By Ryan Smitheram Maple Leafs' Update on Chris Tanev Not Enough to Satiate Fans

Dec 24  |  By Ryan Smitheram Insider Reveals Power Struggle Between Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs

Dec 24  |  By Dean Chaudhry Legendary Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen Shares Special Moment with His Son on Live Telecast

Dec 24  |  By Nick Matthews TSN Analyst Preps Maple Leafs Fans on Potential Recovery Plan for Auston Matthews

MORE STORIES