Is Andrei Vasilevskiy Still an Elite Goalie?

Andrei Vasilevskiy has been widely regarded as one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders over the last decade. Since being drafted 19th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2012, Vasilevskiy has anchored a franchise that has won multiple Stanley Cups, earned Vezina Trophy recognition, and consistently remained in contention at the top of the Eastern Conference. But as the 2025-26 season unfolds, the question arises: is Vasilevskiy still performing at an elite level, or is he showing signs of regression?

Career Highlights and Historical Dominance

Vasilevskiy’s resume speaks for itself. With over 400 NHL wins, a Vezina Trophy in 2019, and back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, he has been the cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s success. Known for his lightning-quick reflexes, poise under pressure, and ability to read plays, Vasilevskiy has often been the difference-maker in high-stakes games. His playoff performances, including a .927 save percentage during the 2020 run, cemented his reputation as a game-changer.

2025-26 Performance Trends

This season, Vasilevskiy has faced a mix of highs and lows. Through 26 games, he has a .915 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.63. While these numbers are solid, they are slightly below his career averages, suggesting occasional lapses in consistency. Tampa Bay’s defensive structure has been a key factor; when the Lightning allow higher-quality scoring chances, Vasilevskiy has had to bail the team out more often than in previous seasons.

Despite a few rough outings, Vasilevskiy’s ability to steal games in tight situations remains a hallmark of his elite play. He still has a knack for making highlight-reel saves and maintaining composure in late-game scenarios, particularly during close contests and playoff-style hockey.

The Case for “Still Elite”

An elite goalie isn’t just about stats; it’s about impact on the game and team confidence. Vasilevskiy continues to inspire trust among his teammates and coaching staff. He regularly keeps Tampa Bay in games they might otherwise lose and remains a top choice for critical playoff starts. While minor dips in save percentage or GAA might raise eyebrows, his overall contributions, experience, and ability to control momentum argue in favour of retaining his elite status.

Areas of Concern

Vasilevskiy’s workload has been heavy in recent seasons, leading to signs of fatigue at times. Additionally, Tampa Bay’s evolving roster, particularly with younger forwards and defensive injuries, puts more pressure on him to perform consistently. While not a dramatic decline, these factors indicate that Vasilevskiy must adjust to maintain elite performance as the league adapts to his style.