Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy joins goalie royalty after 2nd Vezina Trophy

Andrei Vasilevskiy is officially a two-time Vezina Trophy winner after the Tampa Bay Lightning star captured the award for the first time since 2018-19.

The six-time finalist was surprised with the trophy by members of the Tampa Police Department’s K-9 unit after a workout at Benchmark International Arena last week, per NHL.com’s Corey Long.

While the presentation was memorable, the achievement itself placed Vasilevskiy in extraordinarily rare company.

“Goalies with multiple Stanley Cups, multiple Vezina Trophies, and a Conn Smythe in NHL history: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Patrick Roy, Ken Dryden, Bernie Parent. That’s it. That’s the list,” The Athletic’s Jesse Granger wrote Saturday.

The distinction further cements Vasilevskiy’s legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders of his generation. The 31-year-old backstopped the Lightning to three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances from 2020-22, winning championships in 2020 and 2021 while capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy during Tampa Bay’s 2021 title run.

The surprise itself came with a bit of creativity. Officers had placed the Vezina Trophy inside Vasilevskiy’s vehicle before informing him that a police dog had detected a suspicious package.

“It was a surprise,” Vasilevskiy said, per Long. “I was just happy that my car was in one piece and I didn’t want to go through the insurance process. Big surprise. This was a great show.”

The veteran netminder was quick to credit those around him.

“I’m really grateful. Professionally, this is one of your ultimate goals, but it’s all about the team,” Vasilevskiy added. “It takes a lot to have a good defensive team. I can’t say enough about my teammates, this organization, the trainers, coaches and fans. It’s a team award.”

Vasilevskiy turned in another dominant campaign in 2025-26, helping Tampa Bay finish second in the Atlantic Division with a 50-26-6 record. He led the NHL with 39 wins while posting a .912 save percentage and a 2.31 goals-against average, both among the league’s best marks.

Although the Lightning’s season ended with another disappointing first-round exit — a one-goal Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens — Vasilevskiy’s latest Vezina Trophy is another addition to a resume that is already Hall of Fame worthy.

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