Ex-NHL HC makes his feelings known about Connor Hellebuyck's worthiness to win NHL MVP award despite low odds

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Nov 12, 2024 15:30 GMT

On Tuesday, TSN Hockey analyst Bruce Boudreau argued that Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck could be the early favorite for the NHL’s MVP award. Boudreau believes Hellebuyck’s strong play this season makes him a top contender.

Hellebuyck has an 11-1-0 record, a 1.83 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. He also has three shutouts. Boudreau pointed out that Hellebuyck is playing with a chip on his shoulder after a tough finish to last season.

"They got the best goalie, 11-1, 1.83 (GAA) if he can continue during the regular season? .... the MVP is in the net, and he's going to be the reason that the Winnipeg Jets stay where they are all year," Boudreau said, via TSN. [00:00:42] "He's won the Vezina, he didn't like how the season ended, he's got a chip on his shoulder, and he's going to prove to the world just that he's the best goaltender in the world right now, bar none."

The Jets are at the top of the Central Division with 28 points and 14 wins. They have only one loss this season, a 6–4 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs. If they keep playing at this level, they could break the Boston Bruins’ 2022-23 record of 65 wins and 135 points.

As a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, Hellebuyck is already one of the best goalies in the league. But the Odds are still quite far, He is 45-1 to win the MVP on FanDuel behind eight other players. But If he continues to play well, he could be a strong contender for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player.

Connor Hellebuyck led Winnipeg to 4–1 win over Dallas

The Winnipeg Jets won 4–1 against the Dallas Stars, setting a record with their 14th win in 15 games. Connor Hellebuyck made 32 saves and extended his shutout streak to 191:47 before Roope Hintz scored late in the third period.

Alex Iafallo gave the Jets a 1–0 lead with a power-play goal. Rasmus Kupari made it 2–0 after a rebound. Vladislav Namestnikov increased the lead to 3–0 in the second period. Nikolaj Ehlers added another power-play goal to make it 4–0.

Hintz scored for Dallas to make it 4–1, ending Hellebuyck's shutout streak. He made 32 saves against Dallas and was just 1:22 away from a third straight shutout. Despite allowing one goal, Hellebuyck set a franchise record with a shutout streak of 191:47. Hellebuyck’s strong performance and the Jets' solid defense led to the win.