Edmonton Oilers history with the Vezina Trophy
For all the impressive achievements the Edmonton Oilers have accrued over the years, they haven't had much luck with the Vezina Trophy, save for one player.
When it comes to being an Edmonton Oilers fan, they have a lot to be proud of. Since entering the NHL in 1979-80, they are tied for the most Stanley Cup wins (five) and stand alone as having made the most appearances in the Final (eight).
Individually speaking, the Oilers have picked up plenty of awards along the way, in large part thanks to Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid. These accolades include 13 Art Ross Trophies, 13 Hart Memorial Trophies, 11 Ted Lindsay Awards and five Conn Smythe Trophies.
However, for all of this success, it's somewhat surprising that when it comes to the Vezina Trophy, the Oilers have achieved little. As per NHL.com, the Vezina Trophy has been awarded annually since 1927, given to the league's best goalie and voted for by the general managers of every NHL team.
The Montreal Canadiens lead the way as a team with winning the Vezina on 29 occasions. Individually speaking, Jacques Plante leads the way with seven Vezina Trophies.
Solitary shining Vezina light in Edmonton
In respect of the Oilers specifically, as already noted, they have achieved little when it comes to the Vezina - with one exception. That exception would be Hall of Famer and five-time Stanley Cup winner, Grant Fuhr.
Fuhr is the only Oiler to ever win the Vezina Trophy and it happened just one time, in 1987-88. That season also saw him named an All-Star and win a career-high 40 games, as he won the fourth of his five Stanley Cups in Edmonton.
Fuhr had such a special season in 1987-88, that he also finished second in league MVP voting for the Hart Memorial Trophy. On an individual level, this campaign would prove to be the absolute peak of an overall extremely impressive 19-season career in the NHL.
The signs were there early on, that Fuhr was going to have a special NHL career. Consider that in his first season in 1981-82, he finished runner up for the Vezina Trophy. As per NHL.com, he was also a finalist in consecutive seasons in 1985-86 and 1986-87.
It's tough to foresee any other goalie enjoying such an impressive career with the Oilers. However, it doesn't mean another netminder can't win the Vezina Trophy at some point in Edmonton.
Next. 2 major players that will take a step back this coming season. 2 major players that will take a step back this coming season. dark
At certain stages last season, the case was made for Stuart Skinner to at least be a Vezina finalist. However, as talented as he undoubtedly is, he's going to have to be a lot more consistent, in order to become the second Vezina Trophy winner in Oilers history.
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