What trophy is awarded to the NHL goaltender judged best at his position?

The Vezina Trophy is awarded to the NHL goaltender judged best at the position.

The award is named for Georges Vézina, the Montreal Canadiens goaltender who played from 1910 until 1925. Vézina collapsed during a game in 1925, was diagnosed with tuberculosis and died in 1926. The Canadiens’ owners donated the trophy in his memory.

It was first awarded after the 1926–27 season to George Hainsworth. For much of its early history, the trophy went to the goaltender or goaltenders on the team allowing the fewest regular-season goals. Since 1981–82, NHL general managers have voted for the league’s most outstanding goaltender instead.

That change created a useful distinction between the Vezina and the William M. Jennings Trophy. The Jennings recognizes the goaltender or goaltenders whose team allows the fewest goals, subject to a minimum-games requirement. The Hart Trophy is the NHL’s overall most valuable player award, while the Calder Trophy honors the top rookie; neither is specifically for goaltenders.