Top Five Vezina Trophy Candidates of the 2022-23 NHL Season

Detroit Red Wings netminder Ville Husso is no stranger to success. While his time with the St. Louis Blues, he racked up 34 wins in 57 career games with the Blues, including 25-7 last season.

A goaltender who is not flashy but gets the job done, he relies on his technique and positioning to deny shooters of any skill level.

Husso came to Detroit this past offseason via a sign-and-trade with St. Louis intending to be the number one guy. So far, he has lived up to that billing.

Coming to Detroit was not easy though. Coming from a defensive system like the Blues to a system where there was not much coordination or structure.

However, Husso looks very comfortable and is having a great start to the season. Maybe one that nobody saw coming, especially behind that defense in Detroit.

This is what makes him an early Vezina Trophy favorite. His success regardless of where he plays comes to a revamped, yet still troubled Detroit defense. He has shown no sign of slowing down and if he continues this hot streak, could be a Vezina finalist.

Husso is 5-1-1 with a .941 save percentage and a 1.86 GAA. His save percentage is fourth among goaltenders, while his GAA is third and he is tied for first with two shutouts. Husso has led the revamped Red Wings to a 6-3-2 record, good for third in the Metropolitan Division.

Husso has adjusted well to the less-than-stellar Detroit defense. He stays calm in the net and does not do anything to jeopardize the team. His rebound control is good and plays the angles with aggressiveness.

Husso is the number one goaltender from here on out and could see an increase in his win total as he is already one-third of the way to last season’s total. With the number of shots he sees on a nightly basis, his save percentage could see a rise as well.

A Vezina Trophy nomination, or win, would not surprise many, especially if he continues his hot play and the Red Wings end up securing a playoff spot.