Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche
Apr 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) deflects away a shot against the Minnesota Wild in the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
A tumultuous year off the ice didn’t translate to his on-ice performance, as the Russian goalie was taken under the wing of new head coach and Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy. Varlamov excelled with a young squad in front of him and actually broke Roy’s franchise record for wins with 41. He led the league in wins, and was the only player to break 40. He saw more rubber than any goalie in the league, making more than 100 saves more than the next highest target.