With the 2025-26 season reaching its peak, discover why Ilya Sorokin IS the NHL Vezina Front-Runner. From league-leading shutouts to elite advanced metrics, the New York Islanders star is demanding the respect he deserves.
Every few years, a goaltender comes along who doesn’t just stop pucks—they change the entire gravity of the game. Right now, that player is in New York. While other names often grab the headlines, the statistics and the “eye test” both confirm that Ilya Sorokin IS the NHL Vezina Front-Runner. He isn’t just playing well; he’s carrying a franchise on his back.
Sorokin’s 2025-26 Campaign at a Glance
| Metric | Current Stats | NHL Rank |
| Wins | 20 | Top 10 |
| Shutouts | 6 | 1st (League Leader) |
| Save Percentage | .916 | 3rd (Qualifying) |
| Goals Against Average | 2.44 | 8th |
| High-Danger Save % | .877 | 1st |
Dominating the “High-Danger” Areas
Modern hockey is faster and more clinical than ever before. To be the best, you have to stop the shots that are supposed to go in. One of the primary reasons Ilya Sorokin IS the NHL Vezina Front-Runner is his absolute mastery of high-danger scoring chances.
He currently leads the league with an .877 high-danger save percentage. When the opposing team gets a backdoor pass or a breakaway, Sorokin doesn’t just hope for a save; he anticipates the play with a level of athleticism that looks more like acrobatics. This ability to bail out the Islanders’ defense during high-pressure moments is exactly what Vezina Trophy voters look for at the end of the year.
The King of the Shutout
There is no clearer sign of goaltending dominance than the shutout. It is the ultimate “statement game.” As of late February 2026, Ilya Sorokin IS the NHL Vezina Front-Runner largely because he leads the NHL with six shutouts.
Think about that for a second. In a league where scoring is up and power plays are more lethal than ever, Sorokin has managed to completely blank professional offenses six times in just over 30 starts. Whether it was his 44-save masterclass against the Devils or his recent dominance against the elite Tampa Bay Lightning, Sorokin has proven that when he is “on,” the net might as well be boarded up with plywood.
Doing More with Less Support
A common argument in the Vezina race is the “team support” factor. While other contenders like Andrei Vasilevskiy or Logan Thompson play behind elite, high-scoring rosters, Sorokin often has to win games with a much smaller margin for error. The fact that Ilya Sorokin IS the NHL Vezina Front-Runner while playing behind a team that frequently struggles to provide goal support is a testament to his mental toughness.
The Islanders have hovered near the top of the Metropolitan Division all season, and if you ask any hockey analyst, they’ll tell you the reason is the guy wearing #30. His “Goals Saved Above Expected” (GSAx) metric is among the best in the league, meaning he is winning games that the Islanders statistically should be losing.
Why the Odds Are Shifting in His Favor
Vegas has noticed the shift in momentum. Over the last month, the betting odds have swung significantly, confirming that Ilya Sorokin IS the NHL Vezina Front-Runner over perennial favorites. His calm, technically sound demeanor has made him the most dependable presence in the league.
He has already been a Vezina runner-up in the past, but 2026 feels different. There is a sense of inevitability this season. He has moved past the “sophomore slumps” and “nagging injuries” of previous years to become a fully realized version of a franchise netminder. When you watch him play, you aren’t just watching a goalie; you’re watching a specialist at the peak of his craft.
Conclusion
The debate is effectively over. Whether you look at his league-leading six shutouts, his elite .916 save percentage, or his ability to steal games against top-tier opponents, it is clear that Ilya Sorokin IS the NHL Vezina Front-Runner. He has demanded respect through his play, and by the time the NHL Awards roll around in June, it would be a shock to see anyone else lifting that trophy. The New York Islanders have their superstar, and the rest of the league is on notice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many shutouts does Ilya Sorokin have this season?
As of late February 2026, Ilya Sorokin leads the entire NHL with six shutouts.
2. Is Sorokin leading the league in save percentage?
While he is not #1, he is currently tied for third among qualifying goaltenders with a stellar .916 save percentage, helping prove why Ilya Sorokin IS the NHL Vezina Front-Runner.
3. Has Ilya Sorokin ever won the Vezina Trophy before?
No, he was the runner-up to Linus Ullmark in the 2022-23 season but has never won the award. This season is widely considered his best chance yet.
4. What is Sorokin’s record so far in the 2025-26 season?
Sorokin currently boasts a record of 20-13-2, having hit the 20-win mark just before the Olympic break.
5. Who are the other top candidates for the Vezina?
While Ilya Sorokin IS the NHL Vezina Front-Runner, he is facing stiff competition from Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals.
