Raise your hand if you saw Elvis Merzlikins getting Vezina Trophy votes this season.
If you have your hand up, you should probably play the lottery.
In the Latvian's first season in the NHL, he overcame a rough start and became a brick wall in net. Merzlikins finished the campaign with a 13-9-8 record, a 2.35 GAA, and a .923 save percentage.
His performance was good enough to earn him fifth place in Vezina Trophy voting:
Vezina Trophy voting (selected by NHL GMs): pic.twitter.com/DGB00ups8m
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) September 21, 2020
He also came fifth in Calder Trophy voting:
Calder Trophy voting: pic.twitter.com/MG1oy99zft
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) September 21, 2020
Finally, he was named to the All-Rookie team:
#CBJ G Elvis Merzlikins named to the #NHL All-Rookie Team: pic.twitter.com/YzXT4ead5k
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 21, 2020
It wasn't just Merzlikins getting some love. Defensemen Seth Jones and Zach Werenski were recognized as well.
Werenski finished eighth in Norris Trophy voting, while Jones finished tied for 11th (!!). If Jones is able to stay healthy next year, he should have a good shot at taking the trophy home. Although he was injured for a good portion of the year, looking at this list and seeing some of the names that are above him makes you shake your head.
Norris Trophy voting: pic.twitter.com/QWAvZgJXoM
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) September 21, 2020
There you have it. While the Blue Jackets didn't win any awards this year, it was still good to see Merzlikins, Werenski, and Jones get recognized for their seasons.
