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Finding the perfect fantasy hockey goalie can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack while blindfolded and wearing hockey mitts. These masked warriors can make or break a fantasy season with their acrobatic saves or occasional meltdowns between the pipes.
In today’s NHL where scoring is up and shutouts are becoming as rare as a penalty-free game the importance of drafting reliable netminders can’t be overstated. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy manager or a rookie looking to climb the rankings elite goaltenders serve as the backbone of any championship-caliber team. Before diving into this season’s rankings it’s crucial to understand the key metrics that separate the elite from the average – from save percentage and goals against average to the often-overlooked quality starts.
Understanding Fantasy Hockey Goalie Statistics
Fantasy hockey goalies contribute points through four primary statistical categories that measure their performance. These metrics determine a goalie’s value in fantasy leagues.
Save Percentage and Goals Against Average
Save percentage (SV%) tracks the ratio of saved shots versus total shots faced by a goalie. Elite NHL goalies maintain a save percentage above .920, while average performers hover around .910. Goals Against Average (GAA) measures the average number of goals a goaltender allows per 60 minutes of play. Top-tier goalies post GAAs under 2.50, making them valuable fantasy assets. These two stats directly reflect a goalie’s ability to stop pucks consistently.
| Goalie Tier | Save % Range | GAA Range |
|---|---|---|
| Elite | >.920 | <2.50 |
| Above Avg | .915-.920 | 2.50-2.75 |
| Average | .910-.915 | 2.75-3.00 |
Wins and Shutouts
Wins represent the most straightforward scoring category for fantasy goalies. Starting goalies on strong teams typically accumulate 30-35 wins per season. Shutouts occur when a goalie prevents the opposing team from scoring during an entire game. The NHL’s top performers average 5-7 shutouts per season, though these numbers vary based on team defense quality.
| Category | Elite Range | League Average |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 35+ | 25-30 |
| Shutouts | 7+ | 3-5 |
Top-Tier Fantasy Goalies for This Season
Elite goaltenders form the backbone of successful fantasy hockey teams, providing consistent stats across multiple categories. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top options for fantasy managers.
Elite Starter Rankings
- Igor Shesterkin (NYR) – Posts elite save percentages (.935 SV%) with 35+ projected wins
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) – Delivers consistent performance with 6-8 shutouts per season
- Ilya Sorokin (NYI) – Maintains .925+ SV% behind Islanders’ defensive system
- Jake Oettinger (DAL) – Records sub-2.40 GAA with 30+ win potential
- Juuse Saros (NSH) – Faces high shot volumes generating exceptional save totals
- Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) – Provides workhorse starts with steady ratios
- Linus Ullmark (BOS) – Projects 25+ wins in Bruins’ proven system
- Stuart Skinner (EDM) – Benefits from high-scoring Oilers offense
- Ville Hussou (CAR) – Offers upside in Hurricanes’ defensive structure
- Devon Levi (BUF) – Shows starter potential with .920+ SV% projections
- Karel Vejmelka (ARI) – Generates high save totals facing numerous shots
| Goalie Stats Overview | Wins | SV% | GAA | Shutouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Tier Average | 35+ | .925+ | 2.40- | 6+ |
| Value Tier Average | 25+ | .915+ | 2.65- | 4+ |
Mid-Range Fantasy Goalie Options
Mid-tier fantasy hockey goalies provide valuable opportunities for managers seeking consistent performance without premium draft capital. These netminders balance reliability with potential upside at a more accessible draft position.
Reliable Workhorses
Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks exemplifies consistency with 30+ starts per season over three consecutive years. Frederik Andersen maintains a .915 save percentage while sharing starts in Carolina’s proven defensive system. Juuse Saros averages 55 starts per season behind Nashville’s structured defense, posting a 2.75 GAA across 250+ career games. Elvis Merzlikins handles a heavy workload for Columbus, facing an average of 32 shots per game while maintaining competitive statistics.
| Goalie | Team | Avg. Starts | Career SV% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demko | VAN | 35 | .912 |
| Andersen | CAR | 45 | .915 |
| Saros | NSH | 55 | .918 |
| Merzlikins | CBJ | 50 | .907 |
Breakout Candidates
Logan Thompson emerges as Vegas’ primary starter after posting a .915 save percentage in 37 games last season. Devon Levi demonstrates elite potential with a .920 save percentage in his first NHL appearances with Buffalo. Karel Vejmelka faces high shot volumes in Arizona, creating opportunities for strong fantasy point accumulation. Stuart Skinner seized Edmonton’s starting role by recording 29 wins in his rookie campaign.
| Candidate | Team | Key Stat | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thompson | VGK | .915 SV% | 45+ starts |
| Levi | BUF | .920 SV% | 40+ starts |
| Vejmelka | ARI | 33.5 saves/game | 50+ starts |
| Skinner | EDM | 29 wins | 55+ starts |
Late-Round Goalie Draft Targets
Strategic late-round goalie selections provide valuable depth for fantasy rosters while minimizing draft capital investment. These hidden gems often emerge as significant contributors throughout the fantasy hockey season.
Backup Goalies With Upside
Talented backup goalies offer excellent value in the later rounds of fantasy drafts. Casey DeSmith (CGY) steps into a strong defensive system behind Jacob Markstrom, averaging a .912 save percentage across 134 NHL games. Alex Nedeljkovic (PIT) demonstrates starter potential when filling in for Tristan Jarry, posting a career .910 save percentage in spot starts. Jonathan Quick (NYR) benefits from playing behind the Rangers’ defensive structure, making him an ideal streaming option. Charlie Lindgren (WSH) emerged as a reliable backup with a .916 save percentage in 27 games last season.
Rookie Goalies to Watch
First-year netminders present intriguing upside for fantasy managers seeking late-round value. Dustin Wolf (CGY) dominated the AHL with a .932 save percentage across 55 games last season. Jesper Wallstedt (MIN) earned recognition as a top goalie prospect, posting a .908 save percentage in the Swedish Hockey League. Joel Hofer (STL) earned a roster spot after impressive AHL performances, recording a .921 save percentage in 47 games. Yaroslav Askarov (NSH) brings elite pedigree as a first-round draft pick, demonstrating exceptional athleticism in the AHL with a .911 save percentage last season.
Goalie Draft Strategy Tips
Effective goalie drafting requires strategic planning to secure reliable netminders while maintaining roster balance. A well-executed goalie strategy combines timing, value assessment, and roster construction principles to maximize fantasy success.
When to Draft Your First Goalie
Elite goalies command premium draft positions in the first three rounds of fantasy hockey drafts. Targeting a top-tier goalie like Igor Shesterkin or Andrei Vasilevskiy in rounds 2-3 establishes a strong foundation for goaltending categories. Teams picking late in the first round gain an advantage by selecting an elite goalie at the turn between rounds 1-2. The optimal draft position for securing a first goalie varies based on league scoring settings, roster requirements, and the number of teams competing.
| Goalie Tier | Draft Round Range |
|---|---|
| Elite | Rounds 2-3 |
| Mid-Tier | Rounds 5-7 |
| Backup | Rounds 12-15 |
Conclusion
Fantasy hockey success hinges heavily on securing reliable goaltending talent. While elite netminders like Shesterkin and Vasilevskiy provide a solid foundation they often come at a premium draft cost. Smart managers can find value in mid-tier options and promising backups who offer steady production without the hefty investment.
Understanding key metrics like save percentage goals against average and projected starts helps identify both established performers and potential breakout candidates. Whether drafting a top-tier starter or targeting value picks later on a balanced approach to goalie selection remains crucial for fantasy hockey victory.
Remember that even the best goalies can be unpredictable so maintaining flexibility and staying active on the waiver wire throughout the season will help maximize your team’s success between the pipes.