The NHL has finalized its 2025-26 All-Star rosters, highlighting a discrepancy between league-wide voting bodies that continues to spark debate among analysts. While the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) selected the First and Second All-Star Teams, the results for the goaltender position—specifically the inclusion of Logan Thompson—diverge significantly from the Vezina Trophy voting conducted by NHL General Managers.
Why do All-Star selections differ from Vezina Trophy results?
The primary driver of the variation in award recognition is the difference in the voting electorate. According to league standards, the Vezina Trophy is determined exclusively by the 32 NHL General Managers, whereas the All-Star Teams are selected by the PHWA. This structural difference often leads to conflicting evaluations of performance metrics.
While Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning secured the First Team spot following his Vezina win, the Second Team selection of Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals surprised many analysts. According to data from MoneyPuck, Thompson finished the season with a .912 save percentage and 29.3 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx), outperforming several Vezina finalists in those specific metrics.
The GSAx (Goals Saved Above Expected) metric is increasingly favored by analytical outlets to measure goaltender impact, yet it remains a secondary consideration for many traditional voters who prioritize wins and goals-against averages.
How do voting bodies influence player recognition?
The divide between the PHWA and the General Managers suggests a shift in how “value” is defined in the modern NHL. General Managers often weigh team success and veteran reputation, while the PHWA has shown a growing trend toward valuing advanced statistical indicators, such as GSAx and high-danger save percentages.
For example, Thompson’s exclusion from the Vezina finalist list—despite strong analytical backing—highlights a potential “blind spot” in the GMs’ voting process. Players like Ilya Sorokin and Jeremy Swayman, who placed ahead of Thompson in the Vezina race, were omitted from the All-Star teams entirely, illustrating how different evaluators prioritize different segments of a season.
What are the future trends in NHL award selection?
The increasing accessibility of public-facing tracking data is likely to narrow the gap between these two voting bodies in coming seasons. As more teams integrate internal analytics departments, the criteria for “elite” performance are becoming standardized across the league.
Pro Tip: When evaluating future All-Star candidates, look beyond traditional box score stats like wins and losses. Advanced metrics often signal which players are trending toward league-wide recognition before the official ballots are cast.
Comparison: 2025-26 Goaltender Recognition
| Award/Team | Selected Goaltender | Voter Body |
|---|---|---|
| Vezina Trophy | Andrei Vasilevskiy | NHL General Managers |
| First All-Star Team | Andrei Vasilevskiy | PHWA |
| Second All-Star Team | Logan Thompson | PHWA |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who selects the NHL All-Star Teams? The Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) is responsible for voting on the First and Second All-Star Teams.
- How is the Vezina Trophy awarded? The Vezina Trophy is voted on by the 32 NHL General Managers at the conclusion of the regular season.
- Why does GSAx matter? Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) measures how many goals a goalie prevented compared to an average NHL starter, accounting for shot quality.
Do you believe advanced analytics should carry more weight in end-of-season awards, or should the traditional “eye test” remain the primary factor for General Managers? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more deep dives into NHL statistics.
