This is another first for the Atlanta Thrashers / Winnipeg Jets franchise, as they’ve never before had a Vezina finalist.
The franchise that’s now residing in Winnipeg has long since been searching for a true number one goaltender, and it’s hard to argue that they haven’t found him. Connor Hellebuyck was a top 5 guy in save percentage (.924, fifth) and GAA (2.36, fourth).
Hellebuyck even set a record for American born goalies in wins – with 44 – this season. Hellebuyck topped the record set by Tom Barrasso in 1993, just by one win.