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Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 genuine contenders for end of season awards

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 26: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates setting up teammate Igor Ozhiganov #92 for his 1st NHL goal against the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Arena on November 26, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 26: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates setting up teammate Igor Ozhiganov #92 for his 1st NHL goal against the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Arena on November 26, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 23: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs grabs a drink of water during a stoppage in play in the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 23, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

1) Frederik Andersen

Contender for: Vezina Trophy

Previous Leafs winners:

This is fast turning into a remarkable season for Frederik Andersen. Since joining the Leafs, he has proved he can carry the load of being a number one goaltender; now, he’s taking his performances to another level by fulfilling his undoubted potential.

Whichever relevant category you look at, Andersen is at or around the best at his position among regular starters. Entering Dec. 7, he is tied for the NHL lead with 16 wins in 23 starts, against just seven losses.

The 29-year-old is also just .001 percent off the league lead with a .931 save percentage, which would also represent a career high. And he has an extremely impressive goals against average of 2.32.

It’s more than just the statistics though with Andersen. Critics point towards the blue line being the weak link on a team which is still giving up too many shots per game; but it doesn’t matter to their goalie.

The Danish international is performing wonders between the pipes, while providing excellent leadership. In the process, he is giving the roster more confidence and belief in themselves, which will count for a lot come playoff time.

There’s obviously still a long way to go this season. However, as long as Andersen keeps performing at or near to his current level, it will be tough for the 31 NHL general managers to vote elsewhere, when it comes time to pick the 2018-19 Vezina Trophy winner.

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