Which NHL award is named after goaltender Georges Vézina?

The Vezina Trophy is the NHL award named after goaltender Georges Vézina.

The trophy was introduced after Vézina died from tuberculosis in 1926. He had been a star goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens and played in the NHL from its founding season through 1925. The award originally went to the goaltender of the team allowing the fewest goals during the regular season.

Its criteria changed in 1981. Since then, the Vezina Trophy has been awarded to the goaltender judged the best at his position by the NHL’s general managers. This means the winner is not necessarily the goalie whose team allowed the fewest goals.

The Vezina is often confused with the William M. Jennings Trophy. The Jennings recognizes the goaltenders who play enough games for the team allowing the fewest regular-season goals, while the Vezina honors individual excellence.