NHL Vezina Trophy Odds Update: Can Anyone Top Connor Hellebuyck?

The NHL All-Star Game is this weekend, and it'll feature the best skaters and goaltenders in the league competing.

Those goaltenders won't necessarily be making the game-altering saves that they do every night for their NHL teams, but it's still nice to see the best against the best with the fun twist that the NHL All-Star Game brings to the table. But, that's enough about the playful games, and it's time to appreciate what those goalies have done this season when it counts.

It's a race for the Vezina Trophy right now, and there's a clear favorite among the pack with a little less than half the season left to go. While there may be a favorite, it doesn't mean anything until the season is finished. Much of the competition can be ruled out, but there are still three goaltenders in this award race that need some attention -- especially in the betting market.

Let's take a look at the Vezina Trophy odds, per FanDuel Sportsbook.

NHL Vezina Trophy Odds

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets (-115)

Assuming that there isn't a major collapse following the All-Star break, Connor Hellebuyck is on his way to winning a second Vezina Trophy.

This season, like last, is a case of a top contender followed by everyone else. Hellebuyck has the workload of any top goaltender of the last few years, having played in 35 of the Jets' 47 games. He's well on his way to nearing 60 starts on the campaign for the third straight season as a result, which makes his numbers look even more outstanding.

Hellebuyck leads the NHL in both goals against average (2.20) and save percentage (.924) for goalies who have made at least 20 starts. He's been completely lights out for the Winnipeg Jets and is a big reason why they lead the NHL with 1.62 goals against per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations.

It's not like he needs anymore backing, but Helly also ranks second in the NHL with 25.59 goals saved above expectation, illustrating how much he's added to an already stout Jets D.

It is Hellebuyck's award to lose at this stage.

Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks (+340)

A big reason for the turnaround of the Vancouver Canucks has been the incredible play of Thatcher Demko.

Demko has been among the favorites for the Vezina Trophy since the first month of the season after the Canucks showed they were for real. It's been his play that has helped them avoid any tough stretches throughout; he ranks toward the top in all the important categories.

The 28-year-old ranks second in wins (26), sixth in save percentage (.920), and seventh in goals against average (2.44). He's also third with 20.32 goals saved above expectation and has made the fourth most saves in the NHL (976). In any other season, Demko woulde easily be favorite to win this award.

For that reason, there is still some value in going with the talented goaltender with more than a third of the season left to go. It's always possible Hellebuyck implodes with how volatile goalies can be.

Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins (+700)

Jeremy Swayman earned his first All-Star nod this season -- and for good reason. If he didn't split time with Linus Ullmark, the competition with Hellebuyck would be a lot closer than it is right now.

Swayman has started 26 games this season for the Bruins and had the chance to show what he can do in a full-time role a few weeks ago when Ullmark suffered an injury. He answered that by ranking toward the top of league heading into this weekend's All-Star festivities.

For goalies with at least 20 starts this season, Swayman ranks tied for first with Hellebuyck in save percentage at .924. He also ranks second with a 2.30 goals against average, only trailing the favorite for the Vezina Trophy. If he had posted 30 starts on the season and got the majority of the workload for the Boston Bruins, the competition would be incredibly close in the final stretch of the campaign.

Instead, the +700 odds make him a true longshot where will need a lot to go his way to have a chance at winning the award. In addition to Hellebuyck imploding, he'd also need Demko to falter down the stretch.

Looking for more NHL betting opportunities? Check out all of the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.