Belfour's rookie season in the NHL was nothing short of remarkable. In the 1990-1991 season, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's best rookie, the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender, and the William M. Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed. His aggressive style and acrobatic saves quickly made him a fan favorite in Chicago.
Throughout the early 1990s, Belfour was a cornerstone for the Blackhawks. He led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1992, although they were ultimately defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins. His tenure with the Blackhawks was marked by consistent performances, earning him another Vezina Trophy in 1993 and multiple All-Star selections.
In 1997, Belfour was traded to the San Jose Sharks, a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. His time with the Sharks was brief, and he soon signed with the Dallas Stars. It was in Dallas where Belfour achieved one of his greatest career milestones. In 1999, he backstopped the Stars to their first Stanley Cup championship, defeating the Buffalo Sabres in a memorable series. Belfour's goaltending was instrumental in the Stars' playoff success, and he was praised for his ability to perform under pressure.
Belfour continued to play at a high level with the Stars, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Finals again in 2000, though they fell to the New Jersey Devils. His tenure in Dallas solidified his reputation as one of the league's top goaltenders.
In 2002, Belfour signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, he remained a reliable presence in net. Belfour set a franchise record for wins in a season with the Maple Leafs and was a key player in their playoff runs during his time with the team.
Towards the end of his career, Belfour played for the Florida Panthers during the 2006-2007 season. Even as his playing days were winding down, he continued to demonstrate his skill and competitiveness on the ice.
Belfour's career was decorated with numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star appearances and international play for Team Canada, where he won a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Known for his distinctive eagle-themed mask and fiery demeanor, Belfour left a lasting legacy in the NHL.
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