Daily Faceoff ranks every NHL team's goaltending stable for the new season
The article evaluates all 32 NHL teams' goaltending depth, noting the trend toward using multiple netminders as injuries and workload management become more common. Colorado's duo of Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood tops the list, with the Avalanche posting a league-best .914 team save percentage last season. The rankings consider contract status and advanced metrics, with injured goalies marked and Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck excluded due to his suspension and trade request.
The NHL's goaltending landscape has shifted, with only one netminder reaching 60 starts last season. A record 98 goalies appeared in games, and 61 hit the 20-game mark, reflecting the growing reliance on tandems and trios. Rankings weigh contract status and advanced metrics, with injured players flagged and Winnipeg's Hellebuyck omitted due to suspension and trade request.
Colorado's top ranking stems from a league-best .914 team save percentage, far ahead of second-place .908 and the .896 average. Wedgewood led the NHL in save percentage and GAA, but Blackwood, younger and under contract longer, may see increased workload. Tampa Bay's Vasilevskiy boasts two Cups and two Vezinas, yet the addition of Hildeby—who led in goals saved above expected per 60—could stabilize their backup role, with Johansson already waived.
This shift toward shared goaltending could reshape how fans and analysts evaluate team success, moving focus from individual star netminders to collective depth. Teams may allocate cap space differently, and fantasy hockey players might need to adjust strategies. The emphasis on advanced metrics like goals saved above expected could also influence public discourse on player value, though the impact remains speculative as the season unfolds.