If you’re in the NHL futures market, now’s the time to take advantage of some long odds in the Vezina Trophy race.
The season is still young, and much fluctuation will be expected in the next five months. Here are the current favorites and some sleepers to target.
2022-23 NHL Vezina Trophy Favorites
Ilya Sorokin
Ilya Sorokin is the perfect example of how quickly things can change in the Vezina race. In the last two weeks, the Islanders goaltender has shot from +800 odds to the league favorite.
In 19 games, Sorokin has a sparkling 2.33 goals against average (GAA), a .927 save percentage, and two shutouts. His 14.4 goals saved above average (GSAA) is second only to Connor Hellebuyck (15.6).
The Russian netminder has still only played 93 career NHL games. He’ll be tested to maintain his current pace as the playoff race heats up in the new year.
Sorokin surrendered five goals on 26 shots last game – his worst outing of the season.
Linus Ullmark
Like almost every player on the Bruins, Linus Ullmark is having a stellar season. Boston has been backstopped by Ullmark’s terrific play and is head and shoulders above the rest of the Atlantic Division with a 21-3-1 record.
The veteran Swede has always been solid between the pipes (career .912 SV%) but has elevated his game to new heights this year. He leads the league in wins (15), save percentage (.939), and GAA (1.82) and has already matched his career-high in shutouts (2).
Ullmark is on pace to play 60+ games this year, which is uncharted territory for the 29-year-old. It will be interesting to see how his stamina holds up down the stretch.
Connor Hellebuyck
This isn’t Hellebuyck’s first rodeo – but it might be his best. The Jets puck-stopper won the Vezina in the 2019-20 season, but his numbers so far this year have outshined his award-winning campaign.
His current save percentage is 10 points higher (.932) than his Vezina year, and his 2.26 GAA would be the lowest of his career. There’s a ton of hockey to play, but Hellebuyck looks to have returned to form after arguably his worst statistical season last year.
The 6’4 ‘tender is feeling it, having given up two or fewer goals in five straight games.
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Big odds sleepers to target
Igor Shesterkin
It’s hard to make last year’s Vezina winner a sleeper, but with +800 odds at Caesars sportsbook, you have to.
The Moscow native dazzled last season, finishing with a 2.07 GAA, .935 SV%, and six shutouts. He’s not off to the same blistering start this year, but his numbers are still within striking distance.
The Rangers goaltender looks to be back on track after a rough patch of four straight starts surrendering 3+ goals. He saved 25/26 shots against Vegas on Dec. 7 en route to a 5-1 victory.
Jake Oettinger
Jake Oettinger put the league on notice last postseason with his other-worldly performance against the Calgary Flames. His Dallas Stars fell short against the Flames but have carried their momentum into the 2022-23 season.
Oettinger had a sizzling start to the season, but a recent slide has seen him slip in the Vezina standings. The former first-round pick has given up three or more goals (3,4,5,4) in four of his last five games.
His numbers are still respectable, with a 2.54 GAA and .916 SV%. This a buy-low moment on the Lakeville, Minnesota native.
Vitek Vanecek (+4200 at FanDuel)
It’s hard not to like the value you’re currently getting on Vitek Vanecek. The Devils’ netminder has rock-solid numbers and has led New Jersey to a first-place tie with Boston for the best record in the NHL.
He’s third in the league with a 2.10 GAA, sixth in SV% (.922), and tied for second in shutouts (2.). Still, the third-year pro isn’t getting the respect he deserves from the NHL betting sites.
It’s an excellent time to jump on these odds because they’re likely the longest you’ll see them this season.
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Previous Vezina Trophy Winners
Season Player Team
2021-22 Igor Shesterkin New York Rangers
2020-21 Marc-Andre Fleury Vegas Golden Knights
2019-20 Connor Hellebuyck Winnipeg Jets
2018-19 Andrei Vasilevskiy Tampa Bay Lightning
2017-18 Pekka Rinne Nashville Predators
2016-17 Sergei Bobrovsky Columbus Blue Jackets
2015-16 Braden Holtby Washington Capitals
2014-15 Carey Price Montreal Canadiens
2013-14 Tuukka Rask Boston Bruins
2012-13 Sergei Bobrovsky Columbus Blue Jackets
2011-12 Henrik Lundqvist New York Rangers
