Vezina Trophy
The silver standard of Montreal goaltending legacy.
The Vezina Trophy stands as a silver testament to the guardians of Montreal’s net. One of the NHL’s most prestigious individual honors, it is presented annually to the league’s premier goaltender by vote of General Managers. Originally awarded from 1927 until 1981 to the goaltender(s) of the team allowing the fewest goals, it was renamed in honor of Georges Vezina—the legendary 'Cheeky' netminder who collapsed on the ice during a game in 1925. When the criteria shifted in 1982 to recognize individual brilliance regardless of defensive stats, the Canadiens’ connection only deepened: more than half of all recipients have worn the iconic red, white, and blue.
- Role
- Award for Best Goaltender
- First Awarded
- 1926-27 Season
- Original Criteria
- Fewest Goals Against (Team)
- Current Criteria
- Best Goaltender by GM Vote
- Most Canadiens Wins
- Jacques Plante, Ken Dryden, Carey Price (3 each)
Lore & Background
Within the Canadiens' history, the trophy chronicles an era-by-era dominance in the crease. During the original years (1927-1981), winning was a collective triumph, reflecting the defensive machine built under coaches like Dick Irvin and Toe Blake. Goaltenders like Bill Durnan and Jacques Plante defined this period, with Plante revolutionizing the position by introducing the mask while securing multiple Veziinas. When the criteria changed in 1982 to focus on individual excellence rather than team goals-against average, it opened the door for a new generation of Canadiens stars, such as Patrick Roy and Carey Price, to be recognized for their brilliance even when the defensive structure faltered.
In Their Own Story
The ice at the Forum was thin with old memories. Jacques Plante stood in the crease, the familiar weight of his mask settling over his face—a small revolution in a sea of tradition. The crowd roared, a sound that had echoed for decades, but tonight it felt different. He wasn't just stopping pucks; he was upholding a lineage that began with a man who never wore a mask at all. As the final buzzer sounded and the trophy was brought onto the ice, Plante looked toward the rafters where Vezina's number 1 hung in silence. The silver gleamed under the arena lights, a cold promise of excellence passed from the ghost of the past to the living legend of the present.
Reader's Guide
For a Canadiens fan, the Vezina Trophy represents more than stats; it’s proof that even when the defense wavers, the net remains sacred. Established in 1926-27, the award originally honored the goaltender(s) playing for the team allowing the fewest goals—a metric that perfectly mirrored Montreal’s philosophy of defensive solidity. Legends like Georges Vezina (recognized as the namesake), Bill Durnan, and Jacques Plante dominated this era. In 1982, the NHL adjusted the rules to award the trophy to the goaltender adjudged best at his position by a vote of General Managers. This shift allowed individual brilliance to shine through even during turbulent seasons. Despite this change, Montreal continued its dominance in the category. Patrick Roy, who led the Canadiens to four Stanley Cups, captured the award three times, showcasing his ability to elevate the team when it mattered most.
Did You Know?
- Georges Vezina inspired the trophy's name after dying on the ice in 1925; George Hainsworth was the first official winner in 1927.
- Jacques Plante revolutionized goaltending by introducing the mask, winning four Veziinas under the original team-based criteria.
- Bill Durnan captured five Vezina Trophies with Montreal, known for his eccentric on-ice behavior and fierce competitiveness.
- The trophy is one of only two NHL awards named after a player who played exclusively for the Canadiens.