Original: It was recognized that this system often meant the trophy went to the goaltender of the better team rather than the individual and hence a change was made to offer the William M. Jennings Trophy to the goaltender ( s ) playing for the team with the fewest goals against . Since 1981 , the Vezina Trophy has been awarded by the NHL general managers to the most outstanding goaltender .
Simplified: Before 1981 , it was awarded to the goaltender ( s ) of the team allowing the fewest number of goals during the regular season ; now , the William M. Jennings Trophy is awarded under this previous definition .