As the new NHL season descends upon us, TSN Hockey unveils its highly anticipated annual roster of the Top 50 players – a forecast of the elite athletes who will likely dominate the ice this season. Today, we kick off the excitement by unveiling the rankings of players ranging from 50th to 41st.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, known as one of the premier goaltenders of the decade, has undoubtedly left a mark on the league. His stellar performance as the backbone of the Tampa Bay Lightning is unparalleled, boasting an impressive 286-138-29 record, a .917 save percentage, and a 2.57 goals-against average since the 2015-16 season.
Throughout his career, Vasilevskiy has been a force to be reckoned with, earning four Vezina Trophy finalist nominations and clinching the prestigious award in 2019. Not only that, he has been honored as a two-time first-team All-Star. His dominance in the playoffs is equally remarkable, with a 65-45 record, a .920 save percentage, and a 2.40 GAA since 2016.
The pinnacle of Vasilevskiy’s career came when he led the Lightning to consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, along with three Stanley Cup Final appearances. His incredible performance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2021 after posting a stellar 16-7 record with a 1.90 GAA and a .937 save percentage in 23 playoff games.
As the 2023-24 season looms, Vasilevskiy saw a drop in his ranking from No. 7 to No. 19 after the Lightning faced an early exit in the playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The setback, in theory, should have provided much-needed rest for the team, having competed in the Stanley Cup Finals for three consecutive years.
However, Vasilevskiy’s journey took an unexpected turn as he underwent back surgery in early September, causing him to miss the first 20 games of the season. Despite his return, his performance was not up to his usual standard, with a 30-20-2 record, a .900 save percentage, and a 2.90 goals-against average.
The playoffs were no exception, as Vasilevskiy struggled, allowing 16 goals in the Lightning’s five-game defeat to the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, in the first round. Consequently, he slipped to the No. 42 ranking on this year’s list.
Nevertheless, with a full off-season to recuperate and a clean bill of health, Vasilevskiy is poised to reclaim his title as the league’s most formidable goaltender. Hockey fans worldwide eagerly await his resurgence as he aims to solidify his place among the game’s best.
