Vezina Trophy finalists announced. Favorite and snubs for best goaltender in NHL
Vezina Trophy finalists announced. Favorite and snubs for best goaltender in NHL
Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Wed, April 29, 2026 at 5:11 PM UTC
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Vezina Trophy finalists announced. Favorite and snubs for best goaltender in NHL
Three NHL goaltenders stood out in a year when the league's overall save percentage fell below .900.
The New York Islanders' Ilya Sorokin, Boston Bruins' Jeremy Swayman and Tampa Bay Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy were named on Wednesday, April 29 as the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy for top goaltender. The award is voted on by general managers and the winner will be announced at a later date.
REQUIRED READING: Sharks' Macklin Celebrini among finalists for Ted Lindsay Award
Sorokin tied a franchise record with seven shutouts while Swayman had a career-best 31 wins to help the Bruins get back to the playoffs. Vasilevskiy had a league-best 39 wins as the Lightning reached the playoffs for a ninth consecutive season.
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Here's what to know about the Vezina Trophy finalists and the rollout for announcements for the NHL's major awards.
1 / 0NHL awards finalists: Who's up for 2026-26 regular season awards?
The NHL is announcing the finalists for the Hart Trophy and the other major awards. Here's who is in the running (listed alphabetically):
Vezina Trophy finalists
Players listed in alphabetical order Voting is by general managers
Ilya Sorokin, New York Islanders: Sorokin led the NHL in shutouts (seven), high-danger saves (452), high-danger shots against (523), high-danger save percentage (.864), road wins (18) and road shutouts (5). He's a second-time finalist.
Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins: Swayman, who struggled at times in 2024-25 after missing training camp in a contract dispute, bounced back this season. He had his first 30-win season and led the league with 17 games with 30 or more saves. He allowed two or fewer goals in 31 games. He's a first-time finalist.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning: Vasilevskiy led the league with 39 wins and allowed two or fewer goals in 35 games, which tied him for first. He ranked second in goals-against average (2.31) and third in save percentage (.912). He's a six-time finalist and won the award in 2018-19.
Who will win the Vezina Trophy?
Likely Sorokin, considering he finished first in multiple categories. He was considered a favorite all season before the Islanders slumped at the end of the season and missed the playoffs.
Vezina Trophy snub
Colorado's Scott Wedgewood led the league in goals against average and save percentage among goalies with 40 or more starts.
NHL awards finalists announcement schedule -
Tuesday, April 28: Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player): Macklin Celebrini, Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid.
Wednesday, April 29: Vezina Trophy (goaltender): Ilya Sorokin, Jeremy Swayman, Andrei Vasilevskiy
Thursday, April 30: Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship)
Friday, May 1: Jack Adams Award (coach)
Monday, May 4: Masterton Trophy (perseverance)
Tuesday, May 5: Calder Trophy (rookie)
Wednesday, May 6: Selke Trophy (defensive forward)
Thursday, May 7: Norris Trophy (defenseman)
Friday, May 8: Hart Trophy (MVP)
Monday, May 11: Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award (impact on community, culture or society)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ilya Sorokin amid Vezina Trophy finalists after Islanders miss playoffs
Source: “AOL Sports”
