Why Connor Hellebuyck is the one to beat in the Vezina race as NHL betting odds heat up
The Vezina Trophy is hockey’s ultimate mark of goaltending greatness. Each season, the award crowns the NHL’s top goalie, and heading into 2025–26 the spotlight is brighter than ever. At the front of the pack is Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, a netminder who has rewritten the standards of consistency. Two straight Vezina wins, plus save percentages north of .920 in back-to-back years, keep him firmly installed as the favourite in the latest NHL odds.
Demko’s bid to rise again
Thatcher Demko stood tall as a Vezina winner in 2021-22. Since then, his numbers have dipped, leaving fans and bettors wary. Can he rebound? The potential is there, but unless he rediscovers the sharpness that once carried him to glory, his chances remain an uphill climb. For anyone following NHL betting, Demko is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward pick.
Wolf brings fresh energy to the crease
Don’t sleep on Dustin Wolf. Calgary’s rising star shocked the league last season, finishing eighth in Vezina voting as a rookie. Even so, sportsbooks have kept his name buried on the board. For bettors looking for value in the NHL odds, Wolf’s price might be the most tempting on the market.
What history tells us about winners
The numbers paint a clear picture. Goalies who lift the Vezina usually pair a deep playoff run with elite stats: a goals-against average under 2.07 or a save percentage of .920 or better. Those betting on the award should zero in on these proven markers. NHL betting tips across trusted platforms echo this trend, reminding fans that the stats rarely lie when hardware is on the line.
Bet smarter, not harder
This season’s Vezina battle is every bit as crowded as it is thrilling. Hellebuyck may lead, Demko could surge, and Wolf is waiting in the wings. For those interested in NHL betting, now’s the time to study the data, lock in the best NHL odds, and lean on sharp NHL betting tips. Opportunity doesn’t wait—make your pick before the ice settles.
