"Absolutely not" "2x Vezinas will do it": NHL fans debate Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck's Hockey Hall of Fame prospect

A poll by NHL Network sparked a debate among hockey fans about whether Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck is destined for the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Hellebuyck won his second Vezina Trophy after a stellar 2023-24 regular season. The award cements his status as one of the NHL's top netminders. The poll asked on X/Twitter:

"Is Connor Hellebuyck a lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame?"

The question ignited passionate responses on social media from NHL fans. One replied:

"Absolutely not," indicating they believe Hellebuyck needs to accomplish much more to be Hall of Fame-worthy.

However, another argued:

"2x Vezinas will do it," suggesting Hellebuyck's two Vezina Trophies are enough to guarantee his enshrinement.

Here are some more fan reactions:

"Hellebuyck is borderline for the hall of fame right now. One more Vezina or a championship and he’s in. If not he will need to put up a for more years or elite level numbers," one fan wrote on X.

"Not a lock, but I’d say his odds are good assuming he keeps playing this well for a few more years," another fan wrote.

"Yes, but playing for Winnipeg ruins his chances of ever winning a Cup which would solidify him as a 1st ballot," a user commented.

"honestly yeah if he actually learns how to play clutch and gets a team around him that isn't mid" another user wrote.

Hellebuyck's career stats are impressive - 496 regular season starts, 275 wins, a .917 SV%, 2.63 GAA and 37 shutouts.

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Connor Hellebuyck on winning Vezina Trophy

Connor Hellebuyck has clinched the prestigious Vezina Trophy, solidifying his status as the NHL's top netminder.

Reflecting on his achievement, Hellebuyck emphasized the dedication required to reach this level of excellence. He views the Vezina not as a mere accolade but as validation of his daily commitment to improvement.

“It’s an honor,” Hellebuyck said to The Athletic. “I just know growing up my whole goal was to be the best in the world. So this is a stepping stone. It’s not something that’s given or awarded. It’s earned every single day. For me, it feels like I’m doing something right.”

Interestingly, Hellebuyck's stellar performance came during a season he considers to be his personal best. In his exit interviews, he revealed feeling at the top of his game, describing a state of flow where instinct took over conscious thought. This mental clarity allowed him to reach new heights in his performances.