The Vezina Trophy race is easily the most boring trophy race this season because it already feels like it’s wrapped up. Through 35 games, Connor Hellebuyck has pulled away from the rest of the competition for the award with a .929 save percentage and 34.4 goals saved above expected. Not only that, but with his play being the biggest contribution to the Winnipeg Jets‘ current chase of the Presidents’ Trophy, it’s more of a question as to whether or not he can win the Hart Trophy, not just the Vezina.

If he captures what would be his second-straight Vezina and third overall, he may start to cement himself in a territory that few goalies have reached, and maybe even get some consideration as a top five goaltender in NHL history.

Carter Hutton joined Daily Faceoff Live for their Blue Paint segment to talk about Hellebuyck’s play this season, and whether or not he could be in the NHL’s Mount Rushmore of goaltenders by the end of his career.

Carter Hutton: I think Hellebuyck’s going to be in that category. He’s one of those guys that has just been unbelievable. I think for me it’s just going to be that little bit of a black cloud over him: Can he win a Stanley Cup? Can he get it done playoffs?

He’s had good runs. He has good numbers in the playoffs. His winning record is not great, he’s 18-27. But the fact of the matter is, we judge guys on what they can do in the playoffs. He’s been a guy that’s been a regular season monster, but especially looking back to last year and how they were exited by the Colorado Avalanche where he got shelled every game. So even this 4 Nations Face-Off coming up, I think this is a big measuring stick for him to play well and get the job done under the microscope.

But he’s been fun to watch, and it’s been entertaining with a .929 save percentage and six shutouts already. So who knows what he does with the second half of the season here.

You can watch the full episode here…

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