*this archive was initially written by Eugene Helfrick
It’s not possible to win within the NHL with out nice goaltending. The place can really feel random at instances and even world-class goaltenders can have horrible nights within the web. Nevertheless, the nice groups on the finish of the day have stability between the pipes, with some goaltenders proving they will single-handedly steal a recreation when taking part in at their finest.
With the 2024-25 NHL season across the nook, we take a look at the groups with one of the best goaltending within the league. It’s necessary to notice that this evaluates the staff, not people, as some groups have Vezina Trophy caliber starters however backups that weigh them down. There additionally was plenty of motion within the offseason, with notable goaltenders altering groups, and consequently, some groups will are available in as surprises.
How These Rankings Got here Collectively
The stats from the 2023-24 season play an enormous position within the rankings. Some goaltenders have established themselves as one of the best within the league however a tough earlier season has them ranked decrease than anticipated. The large stats are video games performed, targets towards, save proportion numbers, targets towards common, targets saved above common, and shutouts.
Whereas some might look to wins and losses to judge goaltenders, the bottom line is separating the participant from the staff. Numerous goaltenders may have a nasty win-loss file regardless of nice numbers and conversely, a mean goaltender on an incredible staff may have an incredible file (take into consideration the pitcher’s win in baseball).
Associated: 3 Stanley Cup Successful Goalies Not within the Hockey Corridor of Fame
Salaries additionally performed an enormous position within the rankings. Some groups are investing closely within the place however not receiving the identical outcomes as different groups whereas others are getting extra bang for his or her buck. Together with outcomes, this can be a rating of probably the most worthwhile teams within the league.
Notice: Any netminders with a * subsequent to their title embrace statistics from one other membership in 2023-24
32 – Columbus Blue Jackets
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Elvis Merzlikins | $5.4 million | 30 | 41 | .897 | 3.45 | -7.6 | 1 |
| Danil Tarasov | $1.05 million | 25 | 24 | .908 | 3.18 | 3.9 | 0 |
| Jet Greaves | $812,500 | 23 | 10 | .908 | 3.49 | N/A | 0 |
| Zach Sawchenko* | $775,000 | 27 | 7 | .901 | 3.35 | N/A | 0 |
The Columbus Blue Jackets had been a multitude throughout the board final season and goaltending was a part of that blend as effectively. The offseason didn’t change a lot for this staff as they nonetheless don’t have a solution within the web. Jet Greeves is the youthful choice the followers can lean on for the longer term whereas Elvis Merzikins is the veteran of the employees who has been overworked in current seasons. The Blue Jackets are basically beginning over with a brand new common supervisor (GM) in Don Waddell and a head coach in Dean Evason and it makes this season for all 4 goaltenders basically an audition to see who the staff will begin constructing round.
31 – Anaheim Geese
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| John Gibson | $6.4 million | 31 | 46 | .888 | 3.54 | -21.2 | 0 |
| Lukas Dostal | $812,500 | 24 | 44 | .902 | 3.33 | -2.4 | 1 |
There have been many seasons the place John Gibson carried the Anaheim Geese and made a struggling staff look higher than it was. Final season was not considered one of them as he appeared terrible. Lucas Dostal didn’t take over the beginning job however he stepped as much as cut up begins with the veteran. The duo is a weak hyperlink for the Geese and the one signal of optimism is that the youthful Dostal develops into the starter. If he does, it permits the staff to entertain a commerce involving Gibson that may kick-start their rebuild.
30 – Montreal Canadiens
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Samuel Montembeault | $3.15 million | 27 | 41 | .903 | 3.14 | -0.7 | 0 |
| Cayden Primeau | $890,000 | 25 | 23 | .910 | 2.99 | 4.7 | 2 |
The Montreal Canadiens have probably the greatest rebuilds going within the NHL. The one query is the goaltending and it’s been a problem since Carey Worth left the group. Samuel Montembeault struggled final season as he took on the starter’s burden whereas Cayden Primeau appeared promising in a small pattern dimension. Each goaltenders will be a part of the long-term plans however neither has proven they will paved the way as a starter (Montembeault at finest can cut up begins). So, till the prospects are able to make their mark on the NHL roster, the Canadiens might be left with points within the web that may preserve them simply wanting competition.
29 – Chicago Blackhawks
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Petr Mrazek | $4.25 million | 32 | 56 | .907 | 3.05 | 6.6 | 1 |
| Laurent Brossoit* | $3.3 million | 31 | 23 | .927 | 2.00 | 14.9 | 3 |
| Arvid Söderblom | $962,500 | 25 | 32 | .879 | 3.92 | -23.0 | 0 |
Petr Mrazek has been a pleasing shock with the Chicago Blackhawks, taking part in effectively within the web for a rebuilding staff. Pair him with Laurent Brossoit, who’s coming off a powerful season as a backup, and the still-developing Arvid Soderblom and the Blackhawks may need a adequate goaltending unit to get them to the playoffs. It’s nonetheless not an incredible unit however this trio might be one to control all through the upcoming season.
28 – San Jose Sharks
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Vitek Vanecek* | $3.4 million | 28 | 29 | .890 | 3.18 | -11.7 | 0 |
| Mackenzie Blackwood | $2.35 million | 28 | 44 | .899 | 3.45 | -6.3 | 2 |
| Yaroslav Askarov | $925,000 | 22 | 2 | .943 | 1.47 | N/A | 0 |
The excellent news is that the San Jose Sharks are beginning to flip a nook with their rebuild and higher but, they’ll have a revamped goaltending unit with the Yaroslav Askarov addition. The highest goaltending prospect within the league brings with him a excessive upside and he can singlehandedly flip this unit right into a energy. The hope is that occurs as a result of Mackenzie Blackwood performed poorly and the opposite choice is Vitek Vanecek, who the Sharks introduced on this offseason with the hope he bounces again from a tough season of his personal. They nonetheless have query marks but when Askarov is prepared for the NHL and turns into one of many elite younger goaltenders, every part for this staff modifications.
27 – Buffalo Sabres
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| James Reimer* | $1.0 million | 36 | 25 | .904 | 3.11 | 0.3 | 2 |
| Devon Levi | $925,000 | 22 | 23 | .899 | 3.10 | -2.6 | 0 |
| Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen | $4.75 million | 25 | 54 | .910 | 2.57 | 10.1 | 3 |
The brilliant spot final season was Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who was nice all season. In any other case, goaltending plagued the Buffalo Sabres and it appears to stay a weak hyperlink this season as effectively. To be honest, Devon Levi is simply 22 and has loads of time to show right into a dependable starter. Equally, James Reimer generally is a competent backup, one thing he’s confirmed to be in quite a few stops over the previous few seasons. That mentioned, there are plenty of what-ifs for a staff that wants solutions at a place that is perhaps the rationale they miss the playoffs which is one thing all too acquainted with this franchise.
26 – Minnesota Wild
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Filip Gustavsson | $3.75 million | 26 | 45 | .899 | 3.06 | -5.0 | 3 |
| Marc-André Fleury | $2.5 million | 39 | 40 | .895 | 2.98 | -8.9 | 2 |
| Jesper Wallstedt | $925,000 | 21 | 3 | .897 | 3.01 | N/A | 1 |
Based mostly on popularity, the Minnesota Wild ought to have probably the greatest goaltending models within the NHL. Filip Gustavsson was nice in 2022-23 and Marc-Andre Fleury is likely one of the best to ever play the place, profitable three Stanley Cup titles and the 2020-21 Vezina Trophy. Based mostly on current manufacturing, the Wild have one of many worst goaltending models within the recreation.
Until Gustavsson and Fleury bounce again from a forgettable 2023-24, the Wild will as soon as once more have one of many worst models within the NHL. The X-Issue is Jesper Wallstedt as he’s solely 22 and because the prime goaltending prospect on the Wild, he could possibly be one of many league’s subsequent nice goaltenders. Wallstedt can singlehandedly change the dynamic of the place for this staff however in any other case, they’ve plenty of points within the head head into this season.
25 – Tampa Bay Lightning
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | $9.5 million | 30 | 52 | .900 | 2.90 | -5.2 | 2 |
| Jonas Johansson | $775,000 | 28 | 26 | .890 | 3.37 | -10.3 | 2 |
| Matt Tomkins | $775,000 | 30 | 6 | .892 | 3.33 | N/A | 0 |
Was final season an outlier or an indication of issues to come back for Andrei Vasilevskiy? He’s a world-class goaltender however hasn’t appeared like one up to now two seasons as he’s battled accidents. He’s not somebody to jot down off or depend out and he can simply enter the Vezina dialog however contemplating how he’s appeared currently, the Tampa Bay Lightning could be finest off if that they had a backup plan. They don’t. Ideally, Jonas Johansson takes on that position however final season confirmed he can’t. The underside line is that except the Lightning discover a competent backup, they’ll as soon as once more have points within the web and a unit that was as soon as their energy might be their downfall.
24 – Calgary Flames
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Daniel Vladar | $2.2 million | 27 | 20 | .882 | 3.62 | -12.5 | 0 |
| Dustin Wolf | $850,000 | 23 | 17 | .893 | 3.16 | -4.9 | 0 |
The teardown is all however full with the Calgary Flames because the final huge piece to maneuver was Jacob Markstrom. With that, a brand new period of goaltending has begun. Final season, each Dan Vladar and Dustin Wolf struggled however they’re younger and have plenty of upside in them (particularly Wolf who continues to be growing). The expectation this season is for the Flames to take care of the rising pains however in the long term, this duo could possibly be the rationale the Flames turn out to be one of many prime groups within the Western Convention in a number of seasons.
23 – Ottawa Senators
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Linus Ullmark* | $5 million | 31 | 40 | .915 | 2.57 | 13.7 | 2 |
| Anton Forsberg | $2.75 million | 31 | 30 | .890 | 3.21 | -10.1 | 2 |
| Mads Sogaard | $775,000 | 23 | 6 | .859 | 4.05 | N/A | 0 |
The large commerce to begin the offseason was the Linus Ullmark deal. The blockbuster transfer makes the Ottawa Senators one of many wild playing cards in these rankings. This season will present whether or not Ullmark is a Vezina-level goaltender or if he was propped up as elite by an incredible staff and a lightweight workload (He’s solely performed in 89 common season video games over the previous two seasons).
Ullmark simply would possibly flip this unit round by himself. Sadly, he’s the one vibrant spot on this unit. The Senators noticed Anton Forberg disintegrate final season and Mads Sogaard nonetheless has but to show he generally is a backup on the NHL degree. So, their goaltending goes hand-in-hand with Ullmark’s manufacturing and whereas it won’t be an incredible unit now, it could possibly be by season’s finish.
22 – Detroit Crimson Wings
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Cam Talbot* | $2.5 million | 37 | 54 | .913 | 2.50 | 14.0 | 3 |
| Ville Husso | $4.75 million | 29 | 19 | .892 | 3.55 | -6.3 | 0 |
| Alex Lyon | $900,000 | 31 | 44 | .904 | 3.05 | 1.1 | 2 |
Goaltending has derailed an in any other case nice rebuild that the Detroit Crimson Wings have going for them. The place has haunted Steve Yzerman since he took over because the staff’s GM and it is perhaps his undoing when it’s all mentioned and completed. Cam Talbot appeared nice final season and might lead this staff to the playoffs. Ville Husso struggled final season however in a backup position, he can spherical out the unit. The identical will be mentioned about Alex Lyon, a pleasing shock from final season. Collectively this trio can find yourself being an incredible one however all three veterans have their query marks. Issues can notably disintegrate quick if the 37-year-old Talbot begins declining with age.
21 – Colorado Avalanche
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Alexandar Georgiev | $3.4 million | 28 | 63 | .897 | 3.02 | -11.9 | 2 |
| Justus Annunen | $837,500 | 24 | 14 | .928 | 2.25 | 10.0 | 2 |
Final season was a wake-up name for the Colorado Avalanche. Common or below-average goaltending isn’t sufficient to maintain this staff close to the highest of the Western Convention. Alexandar Georgiev had a horrible season and has but to fill the sneakers (or skates) that Darcy Kuemper left after profitable the Cup in 2022. Georgiev has proven flashes of brilliance all through his profession and he’ll look to bounce again. As well as, Justus Annunen impressed as a backup and would possibly tackle a higher position this season. In any other case, the place is a priority for the Avalanche heading into this season.
20 – Philadelphia Flyers
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Calvin Petersen | $5 million | 29 | 5 | .864 | 3.90 | N/A | 0 |
| Ivan Fedotov | $3.275 million | 27 | 3 | .811 | 4.95 | N/A | 0 |
| Samuel Errson | $1.45 million | 24 | 51 | .890 | 2.82 | -15.9 | 4 |
The Philadelphia Flyers have plenty of danger and reward with their goaltending unit this season. Samuel Errson at instances appeared like a reliable starter. Then there have been instances when followers questioned why he was on the ice. Ivan Fedotov made a number of begins final season and he’s a wild card as somebody who can step up because the backup for many of the season.
Then there’s Calvin Peterson who at this level in his profession, is a backup at finest however will most probably spend the vast majority of the season within the American Hockey League (AHL). So, this trio can go both approach, particularly if Ersson and Fedotov come into their very own, and rating the Flyers twentieth doesn’t do them justice.
19 – New Jersey Devils
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Jacob Markstrom* | $4.125 million | 34 | 48 | .905 | 2.78 | 2.3 | 2 |
| Jake Allen* | $1.925 million | 34 | 34 | .895 | 3.44 | -8.9 | 0 |
The New Jersey Devils overhauled their goaltending after seeing how final season unfolded. Gone are Vanecek and Akira Schmid and in come two 34-year-old veterans to save lots of the day. Markstrom was a Vezina Trophy-caliber goaltender a number of seasons again and put collectively a decent 2023-24. Jake Allen appeared spectacular after he was acquired on the 2024 commerce deadline and on the very least, he might be a backup they will lean on.
The Devils are opening the thriller field with their goaltending and any consequence is on the desk. The duo can flop however conversely, they will take this staff to the following degree. The Devils have a roster constructed to compete for the Stanley Cup and all they want is stability within the web. Final season that they had something however stability so fingers are crossed that this mix can present it.
18 – Toronto Maple Leafs
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Anthony Stolarz* | $2.5 million | 30 | 27 | .925 | 2.03 | 15.1 | 2 |
| Joseph Woll | $766,667 | 26 | 25 | .907 | 2.94 | 2.6 | 0 |
The Toronto Maple Leafs as soon as once more appear like they’ll have goaltending points that may come again to hang-out them. Joseph Woll appeared nice in a small pattern dimension however this season, he’ll should impress in additional than 25 video games. Anthony Stolarz had an incredible season because the Florida Panthers backup however he obtained plenty of assist from probably the greatest defensive models within the league and now, he should do extra with much less. The Woll and Stolarz combo gained’t doom the Maple Leafs however it gained’t put them excessive and the playoffs are when issues will inevitably disintegrate (as they have a tendency to do) for this staff except they discover a dependable starter.
17 – Los Angeles Kings
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Darcy Kuemper* | $5.25 million | 34 | 33 | .890 | 3.31 | -12.1 | 1 |
| Pheonix Copley | $825,000 | 32 | 8 | .870 | 3.16 | N/A | 1 |
| David Rittich | $1 million | 32 | 24 | .921 | 2.15 | 11.0 | 3 |
Talbot offered plenty of stability to a unit that wanted it final season. He’s gone so all eyes are on Kuemper who hopes to rebound from a forgettable tenure with the Washington Capitals. Pheonix Copley and David Rittich in the meantime spherical out the unit as viable backups. It is a trio that gained’t present plenty of optimism however they might find yourself shocking if all three stay well-rested and sharp all through the season.
16 – Carolina Hurricanes
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Frederik Andersen | $3.4 million | 34 | 16 | .932 | 1.84 | 11.6 | 3 |
| Pyotr Kochetkov | $2 million | 25 | 42 | .911 | 2.33 | 7.7 | 4 |
| Spencer Martin | $775,000 | 29 | 19 | .889 | 3.30 | -7.5 | 0 |
Goaltending is a reoccurring downside for the Carolina Hurricanes. Final season, it appeared like a weak spot that will singlehandedly derail their Cup-caliber season (a 17-13-4 begin with goaltending letting them down had all of the sirens going off). The Hurricanes put all of it collectively after their gradual begin to end with the second-best file within the Metropolitan Division and heading into this season, they appear like they’ve a trio that would maintain down the fort.
All of it begins with Pyotr Kotchetkov. He performed in 42 video games final season and by now, he ought to be the first starter. At 25, he’s rounded out his recreation and turn out to be a goaltender the Hurricanes can depend on for almost all of normal season video games. If he takes on the beginning position, the Hurricanes ought to be in good condition.
It additionally helps that Frederik Andersen is again on the ice after lacking most of final season and he may also fill in as a high-level backup. Moreover, Spencer Martin is sweet to have round for a handful of video games. It’s this group that gives the Hurricanes with optimism within the web and the ultimate piece within the puzzle to make a run on the Cup.
15 – Seattle Kraken
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Philipp Grubauer | $5.9 million | 32 | 36 | .899 | 2.85 | -4.0 | 2 |
| Joey Daccord | $1.2 million | 28 | 50 | .916 | 2.46 | 16.8 | 3 |
Final season was a passing of the torch one for the Seattle Kraken because the veteran Philipp Grubauer handed over the beginning reigns to the youthful Joey Daccord. The transfer ended up being for one of the best as Daccord appeared nice all season whereas Grubauer struggled. Heading into this season, this duo appears to separate begins and turn out to be one of many staff’s strengths. The Kraken don’t have a dominant unit however this duo is best than most followers and consultants give them credit score for.
14 – St. Louis Blues
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Jordan Binnington | $6 million | 31 | 57 | .913 | 2.84 | 16.6 | 3 |
| Joel Hofer | $775,000 | 24 | 30 | .913 | 2.65 | 8.2 | 1 |
The St. Louis Blues are at a crossroads as a franchise (will they begin a rebuild or make a push to contend?) however the goaltending stays a vibrant spot. Jordan Binnington’s profession is a rollercoaster however final season, he was probably the greatest goaltenders within the league. Joel Hofer in the meantime emerged as a younger backup who can take a number of the stress off of Binnington. Collectively, this duo would possibly preserve an in any other case declining Blues staff aggressive.
13 – Washington Capitals
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Charlie Lindgren | $1.1 million | 30 | 50 | .911 | 2.67 | 11.3 | 6 |
| Logan Thompson* | $766,667 | 27 | 46 | .908 | 2.70 | 6.5 | 1 |
| Hunter Shepard | $775,000 | 28 | 4 | .894 | .319 | N/A | 0 |
This is likely one of the extra undervalued goaltending teams within the NHL. Charlie Lindgren was nice final season and after prepared the Washington Capitals to the playoffs, he confirmed the entrance workplace that they might flip to him because the starter transferring ahead. The Capitals additionally acquired Logan Thompson to be the backup, one other robust transfer contemplating how he appeared with the Vegas Golden Knights. Then, if want be, Hunter Shepard is out there as a backup for a number of video games. This staff isn’t anticipated to blow anybody away subsequent season however the goaltending would possibly.
12 – Vegas Golden Knights
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Adin Hill | $4.9 million | 28 | 35 | .909 | 2.71 | 5.6 | 2 |
| Ilya Samsonov* | $1.8 million | 27 | 40 | .890 | 3.13 | -14.9 | 3 |
| Akira Schmid* | $875,000 | 24 | 19 | .895 | 3.15 | -3.8 | 0 |
Bear in mind when Adin Hill, who performed in solely 27 video games in 2022-23, got here out of nowhere to steer the Golden Knights on a playoff run for the ages and assist them win the 2023 Cup Last? Properly, he’s the first starter now. It’s not like that run was a fluke, quite the opposite, Hill has since proved to be a viable choice. The query for the Golden Knights is that if Ilya Samsonov and Schmid are succesful backups. Samsonov is the safer wager as a longtime veteran, albeit, one who has struggled in his earlier stops. Schmid in the meantime is the large swing as a youthful choice however with a excessive upside. Total, this mix provides the staff unit heading into the season.
11 – Pittsburgh Penguins
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Tristan Jarry | $5.37 million | 29 | 51 | .903 | 2.91 | -0.7 | 6 |
| Alex Nedeljkovic | $2.5 million | 28 | 38 | .902 | 2.97 | -1.6 | 1 |
For many of final season, this duo was the rationale the Pittsburgh Penguins had a shot at making the playoffs. Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic each tailed off within the second half of the season to complete with underwhelming numbers. Nevertheless, this duo proved it might probably get the Penguins again to the playoffs assuming they cut up begins for the total 82-game season.
10 – Edmonton Oilers
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Stuart Skinner | $2.6 million | 25 | 59 | .905 | 2.62 | 3.1 | 2 |
| Calvin Pickard | $1 million | 32 | 23 | .909 | 2.45 | 3.2 | 1 |
After a tough begin to the season, the Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard duo discovered a rhythm. Whereas they weren’t distinctive and the brand new system with an improved protection helped, they did sufficient to permit the Edmonton Oilers to compete for the Stanley Cup. Then the playoffs arrived and with everybody anticipating a dropoff, Skinner performed a number of the finest video games of his profession. The ultimate 15 video games of that run noticed him publish a .914 SV% and permit solely 31 targets to assist the Oilers come one win away from profitable the Cup.
This duo isn’t an incredible one and a few would possibly scoff at it cracking the highest 10. It’s a dependable one and for the Oilers, that’s all they want. The Skinner-Pickard combo will forestall the unit from wanting like a weak spot and in a league the place plenty of groups have liabilities within the web, they don’t have one. The bonus is that the Oilers, who’re pressed towards the wage cap, get plenty of bang for his or her buck with this dup as effectively.
9 – Utah Hockey Membership
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Karel Vejmelka | $2.725 million | 28 | 38 | .895 | 3.35 | -8.7 | 1 |
| Connor Ingram | $1.95 million | 27 | 50 | .907 | 2.91 | 5.2 | 6 |
Final season had a disastrous ending for the then-Arizona Coyotes, one which noticed the staff relocate to Utah with only a few video games left within the common season. It’s onerous to disclaim the off-the-ice drama weighed on the staff and goaltending was no exception. The excellent news is that this staff heads to Utah with one of many higher tandems within the league.
Connor Ingram was unbelievable for many of the earlier season and confirmed he can paved the way because the starter. Karel Vejmelka struggled final season however all through his first few seasons within the league, he’s proven he generally is a starter if wanted and a return to kind is anticipated out of him. Utah already appears like a extra respectable staff that may make a push for a playoff spot this season and regular goaltending will play an enormous position in them getting there.
8 – Nashville Predators
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Juuse Saros | $5 million | 29 | 64 | .906 | 2.86 | 5.3 | 3 |
| Scott Wedgewood* | $1.5 million | 32 | 32 | .899 | 2.85 | -3.4 | 0 |
| Magnus Chrona | $867,500 | 24 | 9 | .859 | 4.71 | N/A | 0 |
Juuse Saros is likely one of the finest goaltenders within the NHL but GM Barry Trotz doesn’t need him overworked which is one thing the Nashville Predators did final season. Whereas they gained’t have Askarov, as he requested for a commerce and was moved to the Shark, Trotz signed Scott Wedgewood as a veteran backup and added Magnus Chrona to play that third-string position. Positive the Predators needed to reduce their losses with the Askarov commerce however it’s onerous to disclaim this goaltending unit stays probably the greatest within the league. Paired with a revamped ahead unit and a new-look protection, this staff is poised to make some noise subsequent season.
7 – New York Islanders
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Ilya Sorokin | $8.25 million | 29 | 56 | .908 | 3.01 | 9.1 | 2 |
| Semyon Varlamov | $2.75 million | 36 | 28 | .918 | 2.60 | 11.9 | 3 |
By their requirements, the New York Islanders goaltenders had a tough season. That mentioned, plenty of thier struggles have to be taken with a grain of salt. The unit appeared quite a bit worse beneath Lane Lambert and his system and it improved beneath Patrick Roy to the purpose the place they had been taking part in nice by the tip of the season.
Ilya Sorokin is likely one of the elite goaltenders within the NHL and a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2023 able to taking up video games with dominant performances within the web. That mentioned, final season proved that he can’t be overworked. That’s the place Semyon Varlamov comes into play. Even at 36, Varlamov can nonetheless be an incredible backup and begin for a handful of groups across the league. Collectively, this duo and be probably the greatest subsequent season however plenty of their success hinges on how Roy deploys to duo.
6 – Florida Panthers
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Sergei Bobrovsky | $10 million | 35 | 58 | .915 | 2.37 | 18.1 | 6 |
| Spencer Knight | $4.5 million | 23 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
If there was any doubt about Sergei Bobrovsky being an elite goaltender, final season eliminated it. The 2-time Vezina Trophy winner led the Panthers to the Stanley Cup title and placed on a present towards the Oilers and their dominant offense, notably stopping 23 of the 24 photographs confronted in Sport 7 to safe the collection. It’s not simply the playoffs, Bobrovsky was exceptional all through the season, ending third within the Vezina Trophy voting.
So, why aren’t the Panthers larger on the rankings? Properly, they need to hope that their backup, Spencer Knight, can step up and preserve the unit from falling off for at the least 25 or 30 video games. Knight’s been within the AHL for the previous few seasons and the Panthers will ask him to be an enormous contributor subsequent season. Being an unknown, he knocks the Panthers down a number of spots.
5 – Boston Bruins
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Jeremy Swayman | RFA | 25 | 44 | .916 | 2.53 | 16.4 | 3 |
| Joonas Korpisalo* | $3 million | 30 | 55 | .890 | 3.27 | -20.8 | 0 |
The Jeremy Swayman and Ullmark duo was unbelievable, if not one of the best within the NHL however alas, the Boston Bruins couldn’t afford to maintain each on the roster. Whereas the Bruins nonetheless should signal Swayman to a long-term deal, the expectation is that he’ll carry the load within the web as one of many league’s finest goaltenders. The query mark is Joonas Korpisalo. He’s bounced round in current seasons as a borderline starter and he’ll be tasked with being the staff’s backup. He’s no Ullmark however he’ll nonetheless preserve this unit a top-five one with at the least 30 begins or extra this season.
4 – Dallas Stars
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Jake Oettinger | $4 million | 25 | 54 | .905 | 2.72 | 2.7 | 3 |
| Casey DeSmith* | $1 million | 33 | 29 | .895 | 2.89 | -6.6 | 1 |
The Dallas Stars at 4th is a wager on Jake Oettinger in the long term and never on his face-value stats from final season. He struggled early on however when he discovered his rhythm, he reminded everybody that he’s probably the greatest goaltenders within the recreation, placing collectively an incredible season half and serving to the staff attain the Western Convention Last for the second 12 months in a row. Oettinger ought to appear like a Vezina-caliber starter and the one query mark is whether or not journeyman Casey DeSmith can fill in as a backup. Final season was a crimson flag for DeSmith as he struggled however his profession suggests he can step in as a backup on the Stars.
3 – Vancouver Canucks
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Thatcher Demko | $5 million | 28 | 51 | .918 | 2.45 | 21.2 | 5 |
| Arturs Silovs | $850,000 | 23 | 4 | .881 | 2.47 | N/A | 0 |
The Vancouver Canucks being this excessive on the record may appear odd. In spite of everything, Arturs Silovs solely impressed for a number of playoff video games and now should show he generally is a backup for a whole season. Silovs is an unknown however Thatcher Demko is just not. Final season, Demko confirmed out and established himself as probably the greatest goaltenders within the NHL.
There’s argument to make that if Demko was wholesome for the playoffs, the Canucks, not the Oilers, would have introduced the Western Convention within the Stanley Cup Last and probably win all of it. This duo is younger and able to being one of the best within the NHL subsequent season.
2 – New York Rangers
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Igor Shesterkin | $5.66 million | 28 | 55 | .912 | 2.58 | 14.2 | 4 |
| Jonathan Fast | $1.27 million | 38 | 27 | .911 | 2.62 | 5.5 | 2 |
The New York Rangers gained the lottery, at the least final season, with the Jonathan Fast signing. The veteran nonetheless has some nice play left in him and is perhaps one of the best backup within the NHL. He backs up probably the greatest within the league with Igor Shesterkin main the way in which, giving the Rangers a dominant one-two punch. For a number of seasons, this staff was carried by Shesterkin however not that they’ve an incredible backup as effectively, they will preserve their star goaltender rested and have a bonus within the web on a nightly foundation.
1 – Winnipeg Jets
| Netminder | Wage | Age | GP | SV% | GAA | GSAA | SO |
| Connor Hellebuyck | $8.5 million | 31 | 60 | .921 | 2.39 | 31.8 | 5 |
| Kaapo Kahkonen* | $1 million | 28 | 37 | .898 | 3.64 | -5.9 | 1 |
| Eric Comrie* | $825,000 | 29 | 10 | .874 | 3.69 | N/A | 0 |
Connor Hellebuyck is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner. He’s one of the best goaltender within the NHL today and there’s a niche between him and the remainder of the league. The GSAA stat doesn’t say all of it however it says quite a bit as he led the league with 31.8 GSAA, and Demko was second with 21.2 GSAA. The Winnipeg Jets have one of the best goaltender within the prime of his profession, that ought to be sufficient to place them at one.
The excellent news is that the Jets aren’t solely counting on Hellebuyck. They introduced in two backups to assist him out with Kaapo Kahkonen and Eric Combie certain to begin a number of video games. Each goaltenders struggled final season however in a decreased workload, one the place they’ll solely be requested to begin 10 video games every, they need to be high-quality behind the world-class Hellebuyck. It provides the Jets one of the best goaltending unit within the league.
What Do You Assume?
In the end, there isn’t a strategy to please everybody relating to rankings. Whether or not individuals assume their staff is undervalued or their closing place offers them with bragging rights, there’s hardly ever any center floor among the many completely different fanbases. These rankings don’t have definitive information with all of the offseason motion. A goaltender can look nice on one staff however in a brand new setting with a brand new system, they may look terrible.
Associated: Rating the NHL’s 32 Beginning Goalies – Midseason Replace
It’s why these rankings, whereas time-consuming, are certain to have flaws. In the event you really feel the rankings are inaccurate and there are a number of groups which might be too low or excessive on the record, be at liberty to tell us within the feedback part beneath.
Statistics had been obtained from Hockey Reference and contract particulars from PuckPedia.
