Three Contenders and One Dark Horse For The '21-'22 Vezina Trophy

Since the season hasn't even started yet, let's make some far-too-early predictions about who will be adding to their personal accolades when the next NHL awards season comes around in the summer of 2022. Here are three strong contenders and one dark horse for next season's Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender.

Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)

The "Big Cat" has won back-to-back Stanley Cups behind one of the best hockey teams in the modern era. It goes beyond that though, he's won both Cups by shutting out the final game of the Finals. In fact, he's won 5 straight playoff series by shutting out the final game. That is honestly absurd. Vasy is quite possibly the best goaltender in the NHL and is more than capable of winning himself another Vezina Trophy in any given season.

Semyon Varlamov (New York Islanders)

The New York Islanders have gone from a playoff team to a Cup contender with back-to-back appearances in the Final 4. Much of that is owed to some stellar netminding from Varlamov, who has quietly led the Isles through some rough waters and has played exceptionally well when he needed to. There is a lot of pressure on the Islanders this year, and for them to rise to the occasion, they will need some stellar play out of their starting goaltender. Should Varlamov rise to the occasion, a Vezina Trophy is absolutely a possibility.

Robin Lehner (Vegas Golden Knights)

Now the number 1 goalie in Vegas, Lehner has been at the top of his game for a few years now, first with the Islanders, then in Chicago, and now in Vegas. However, the workload is all on his shoulders this season, and for a player with an injury history like Lehner's his ability to carry the Knights back to the playoffs remains in question. That said, he will be playing behind one of the league's best teams, and so long as he can stay healthy Leher could win himself more than just a Vezina.

Dark Horse: Darcy Kuemper (Colorado Avalanche)

Speaking of goalies with a history of injuries, Colorado's replacement for Philipp Grubauer certainly has had his share of health issues. He's also played on an Arizona team that has long struggled to keep the puck out of their own end. When playing behind Colorado's stacked defence core, Kuemper may find it easier to keep healthy. If he can do that, he'll be playing as the starter for one of the league's best, most complete teams. He may not put up the numbers Grubauer did, but that in no way means he can't take home a Vezina with a strong performance this season.

Who do you think will win the '21-'22 Vezina Trophy?

Photo credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports