Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets has captured the Hart Memorial Trophy for the 2024-25 season, an award presented annually to the player judged most valuable to his team. This marks the first time a goaltender has won the Hart Trophy since Carey Price in 2015, making it a truly historic moment for Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets franchise. The announcement came as a surprise to Hellebuyck, who was presented with the trophy by friend and teammate Eric Comrie at his home in Michigan, shortly after learning he won the Vezina Trophy.

The Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) voted Hellebuyck as the league's most valuable player after an outstanding season. He received 81 first-place votes and was a top-five selection on 183 of the 191 ballots, accumulating a total of 1,346 points. Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl came in second with 1,209 points and 53 first-place votes. Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov finished third with 973 points.

Hellebuyck's stellar performance in the 2024-25 season led the Jets to a franchise-record 56-22-4 record, earning them their first-ever Presidents' Trophy. He posted a league-leading 47 wins, a 2.00 goals-against average, a .925 save percentage, and eight shutouts. His 47 wins are only surpassed by Martin Brodeur (48 in 2006-07) and Braden Holtby (48 in 2015-16) for the most wins in a single season by a netminder. Hellebuyck also won the William M. Jennings Trophy, awarded to the goaltender(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it. The Jets allowed a league-low 191 goals against during the regular season.

This is Hellebuyck's first Hart Trophy and third Vezina Trophy, after claiming the top goalie honors in 2020 and 2024. He joins an elite group of goaltenders who have won both the Hart and Vezina Trophies in the same season, including Carey Price (2014-15), Jose Theodore (2001-02), and Dominik Hasek (1996-97 and 1997-98). He is also only the fourth netminder in the expansion era to win the Hart, following Hasek, Theodore and Price.

Hellebuyck expressed his gratitude and excitement upon receiving the awards. He was joined by family and friends at his home in Michigan when he was surprised with the news. "Looking back, I'll probably picture this day as one of the greatest of my career," Hellebuyck said. He also acknowledged the support of his teammates and the Winnipeg Jets organization.

While the Jets were ultimately eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Stars, Hellebuyck's outstanding regular-season performance was undeniable. His ability to consistently deliver exceptional performances night after night made him the clear choice for the Hart Memorial Trophy. His dedication, skill, and leadership were instrumental in the Jets' success this season, solidifying his place among the NHL's elite goaltenders and earning him the title of the league's most valuable player.