Ranking NHL Teams By Goaltenders

• Ranking NHL Teams By Forwards
• Ranking NHL Teams By Defensemen

Goaltending remains one of the most important factors in determining success in the NHL. The position can be unpredictable from one night to the next, but having stability between the pipes can make a massive difference over an 84-game season. A strong tandem can steal games and keep a team competitive during difficult stretches, while inconsistent goaltending can quickly derail an otherwise talented roster.

With that in mind, we ranked all 32 NHL teams based on their goaltending situation heading into the season. These rankings consider the entire tandem rather than simply the starter, meaning a team with an elite No. 1 could still fall down the list because of uncertainty behind him.

How These Rankings Came Together

Statistics from last season were an important part of the evaluation, but they did not tell the entire story. Save percentage (SV%), goals-against average (GAA), shutouts and goals saved above average (GSAA) were all taken into consideration when enough data was available. From there, each tandem was evaluated based on how dependable it projects to be, with recent performances, track record, the eye test and playoff success all factoring into the final order. Ultimately, these rankings are subjective and reflect my assessment of every team’s situation between the pipes. With all this in mind, let’s dive into the rankings.

32 – Vancouver Canucks

Starter: Thatcher Demko

Backup: Kevin Lankinen

The Canucks have the potential to be much higher with Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen, but there are simply too many questions after a disastrous season in net. Demko has proven he can be an excellent starter when healthy, but injuries remain a major concern, while Lankinen is a capable option behind him. Vancouver allowed a league-worst 315 goals last season, by far the most in the NHL, so despite the talent of this tandem, it is difficult to rank them any higher until they prove they can bounce back.

31 – San Jose Sharks

Starter: Yaroslav Askarov

Backup: Alex Nedeljkovic

The Sharks will continue to build around Yaroslav Askarov as their starter, giving the young goaltender another opportunity to establish himself as a long-term answer in net. Behind him, Alex Nedeljkovic brings valuable NHL experience and should be a capable backup who can take some pressure off Askarov. 

30 – Pittsburgh Penguins

Starter : Arturs Silovs

Backup: Sergei Murashov

The Penguins will roll with a young tandem of Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov in 2026-27. Silovs enters the season as the starter and will have an opportunity to establish himself in a larger role, while Murashov brings plenty of upside but limited NHL experience. There is some risk with such a young duo, but Pittsburgh will hope both can take another step this season.

29 – New Jersey Devils

Starter: Jake Allen

Backup: David Rittich or Nico Daws

After moving on from Jacob Markstrom, the Devils will rely on Jake Allen as their starter, with either David Rittich or Nico Daws serving as his backup. Allen brings plenty of experience, while Rittich offers another veteran option and Daws brings more upside. It is a less proven tandem than last season, and New Jersey will need Allen to handle a significant workload.

28 – Vegas Golden Knights

Goaltending Duo: Carter Hart & Adin Hill

The Golden Knights will rely on Carter Hart and Adin Hill, with Hart entering the season as the likely number one after earning the starts during last year’s playoff run. Behind him, Hill has the experience to be a solid backup and take on his share of the workload.

27 – Carolina Hurricanes

Goaltending Duo: Brandon Bussi & Pyotr Kochetkov

The Hurricanes will move forward with Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov following Frederik Andersen’s departure. Bussi is coming off an excellent first season and should get the larger share of the starts, while Kochetkov gives Carolina a proven option who can also handle a workload. Together, they give the Hurricanes a younger but very intriguing tandem heading into 2026-27.

26 – Nashville Predators

Starter: Juuse Saros

Backup: Justus Annunen

The Nashville Predators are in a spot they are not used to. They cannot trust their goaltending. For years, Juuse Saros has been the guy holding everything together, but the last two seasons have been a real struggle. While they will look for Saros to bounce back, they will need Justus Annunen to provide some help. It is hard to win games when your starter is giving up goals he used to stop rather easily. The hope is that they can get him back to his previous form and get back to their winning ways.

25- Ottawa Senators

Starter: Linus Ullmark

Backup: Samuel Ersson

The Senators will rely on Linus Ullmark after the veteran put together a strong playoff run last season and showed he can deliver in big moments. Behind him, Samuel Ersson will be looking for a bounce-back season after a difficult year in Philadelphia. If Ersson can regain his form and provide reliable starts behind Ullmark, Ottawa should have a solid tandem heading into 2026-27.

24 – Florida Panthers

Starter: Jacob Markstrom

Backup: Akira Schmid

A new era begins between the pipes in Florida after the departure of Sergei Bobrovsky, with Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid taking over as the Panthers’ new tandem. Markstrom gives Florida an experienced starter capable of handling a significant workload, while Schmid provides a younger option with upside behind him. Replacing Bobrovsky will not be easy, but the Panthers still have an intriguing duo heading into 2026-27.

23 – Edmonton Oilers

Starter: Frederik Andersen

Backup: Tristan Jarry or Devon Levi

The Oilers completely reshaped their situation in net, signing Frederik Andersen and acquiring Devon Levi during the offseason. Andersen brings experience and should provide some stability, while Levi gives Edmonton a younger option with upside. He could also push Tristan Jarry, who struggled during his time with the Oilers last season. With three options available, Edmonton will hope the increased competition finally leads to more consistent goaltending.

22 – Philadelphia Flyers

Starter: Dan Vladar

Backups: Joseph Woll

The Flyers will have a new-look tandem with Dan Vladar and Joseph Woll, after acquiring Woll from the Maple Leafs during the offseason. Vladar was very solid for Philadelphia last season, while Woll brings plenty of upside and could push for a significant share of the starts. If Woll can stay healthy and find consistency, this could become an intriguing tandem for the Flyers.

21 – St. Louis Blues 

Starter: Jordan Binnington

Backup: Joel Hofer

The Blues enter the season with some uncertainty in net after a difficult year for Jordan Binnington, who finished with a disappointing .873 save percentage. The positive was the continued growth of Joel Hofer, who posted a 2.58 goals-against average and .910 save percentage. If Binnington struggles again, Hofer could be in position to take on an even larger share of the workload. Both at their best is a pretty decent duo.

20 – Columbus Blue Jackets

Starter: Jet Greaves

Backup: Elvis Merzlikins

Jet Greaves has continued to earn a larger role and has an opportunity to establish himself as Columbus’ top option, while Elvis Merzlikins brings plenty of NHL experience behind him. There are still questions about the overall consistency of the tandem, but Greaves’ emergence gives the Blue Jackets an intriguing option in net.

19 – Los Angeles Kings

Starter: Darcy Kuemper

Backup:  Anton Forsberg

The Kings should once again be in good hands with Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg. Kuemper remains the starter, but Forsberg proved to be a valuable part of the tandem last season, finishing with a .910 save percentage. Los Angeles even relied on him during the playoffs, showing the confidence they have in their backup.

18 – Anaheim Ducks

Starter: Lukáš Dostál

Backup: Ville Husso or Laurent Brossoit

The Ducks will once again rely heavily on Lukas Dostal as their starter, but the bigger question is who backs him up between Ville Husso and Laurent Brossoit. Anaheim will need whoever wins the job to provide more stability than Husso gave them last season. Dostal can carry a significant workload, but getting more consistent performances from the backup position could make a real difference for the Ducks.

17 – Seattle Kraken

Starter: Joey Daccord

Backup: Philipp Grubauer

The Kraken will once again rely on Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer between the pipes. Daccord has established himself as Seattle’s top option and should handle the majority of the starts, while Grubauer brings plenty of NHL experience behind him. Grubauer has dealt with inconsistency during his time in Seattle, but he remains an experienced backup capable of stepping in when needed.

16 – Utah Mammoth

Starter: Karel Vejmelka

Backup: Sebastian Cossa

The Mammoth will rely on Karel Vejmelka and Sebastian Cossa between the pipes after acquiring Cossa from the Red Wings for a first-round pick. Vejmelka gives them an established and reliable starter, while Cossa is the intriguing part of the tandem. Despite having only one game of NHL experience, the former first-round pick has plenty of upside and will now get an opportunity to establish himself at the NHL level.

15 – Montreal Canadiens

Starter: Jakub Dobes

Backup: Jacob Fowler or Samuel Montembeault

The Canadiens will have a very young tandem with Jakub Dobeš and Jacob Fowler, two goaltenders who have shown plenty of promise but still have limited NHL experience. That is where Samuel Montembeault could remain important. Despite his struggles last season, the veteran brings experience to the group and gives Montreal another option if either youngster runs into difficulties. There is plenty of upside in net for the Habs, but also some uncertainty because of their youth.

14 – Chicago Blackhawks

Starter: Spencer Knight

Backup: Arvid Soderblom

The Blackhawks will turn to Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom between the pipes once again. Knight has shown plenty of upside since arriving in Chicago. On the other hand, Soderblom provides a familiar option behind him. With a young team still developing, solid performances from Knight and Soderblom could go a long way toward helping Chicago take another step forward.

13 – Detroit Red Wings

Starter: John Gibson

Backup: Daniil Tarasov

The Red Wings will once again rely on John Gibson, who was very solid for Detroit last season and provided some much-needed stability between the pipes. Behind him, Daniil Tarasov joins the team after signing from the Florida Panthers and will look to provide reliable minutes in a backup role. 

12 – Buffalo Sabres

Starter: Alex Lyon

Backups: Ukko-Pekka Luukonen

The Buffalo Sabres were one of the biggest surprises of the 2025-26 season. It was largely due to their goaltending. Between the trio of Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, Alex Lyon and Colton Ellis have held down the crease and helped the Sabres turn around their season. While they have three solid options between the pipe, they will also need one of those three guys to also step up in the playoffs.

11 – Calgary Flames

Starter: Dustin Wolf

Backup: Devin Cooley

The Calgary Flames are in an interesting spot with their goaltending right now. Dustin Wolf has already established himself as Calgary’s goalie of the future and will be expected to handle the majority of the workload, while Devin Cooley proved last season that he can be a reliable NHL backup. There is some uncertainty because of their lack of experience, but the upside of this young tandem is certainly intriguing.

10 – Boston Bruins

Starter: Jeremy Swayman

Backup: Michael DiPietro

The Bruins will once again rely heavily on Jeremy Swayman, who has established himself as a consistently solid option between the pipes. The bigger question is behind him, where Michael DiPietro enters the season with only four career NHL starts despite dominating at the AHL level over the last couple of years. DiPietro has earned an opportunity, but whether he can translate that success to the NHL will be something to watch.

9 – Toronto Maple Leafs

Starter: Sergei Bobrovsky

Backup: Anthony Stolarz

The Maple Leafs reshaped their goaltending tandem this offseason, signing Sergei Bobrovsky and trading Joseph Woll. Bobrovsky brings experience and a proven ability to perform in big moments, while Anthony Stolarz gives Toronto a reliable second option who can handle a significant number of starts. With two capable goaltenders, the Leafs should have plenty of stability between the pipes in 2026-27.

8 – Colorado Avalanche

Starter: Mackenzie Blackwood

Backup: Scott Wedgewood

Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood both enjoyed incredible seasons between the pipes. Rather than having to lean heavily on one clear-cut starter, Colorado was able to rotate between two reliable options throughout the year, with both goaltenders giving the team a chance to win on a nightly basis. Having two goaltenders playing at such a high level became a major strength for Colorado and gave the team the type of stability in goal that every Stanley Cup contender is looking for.

7 – Washington Capitals

Starter: Logan Thompson

Backup: Charlie Lindgren

Charlie Lindgren might have struggled quite a bit last season, yet he proved he can split starts. Logan Thompson, meanwhile, took off in the starting net, in the last two seasons and looked like one of the best in the NHL. He has carried forward that momentum has earned him a spot on Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics. The duo should be poised for another excellent season.

6 – New York Islanders

Starter: Ilya Sorokin 

Backup: Vitek Vanecek

Ilya Sorokin proved in recent seasons that he’s an elite goaltender. Behind him, Vitek Vanecek brings plenty of NHL experience and should be capable of giving Sorokin some nights off throughout the season. Sorokin will carry most of the workload, but Vanecek gives New York a veteran option who can provide some stability in a backup role.

5 – Dallas Stars

Starter: Jake Oettinger

Backup: Casey DeSmith

The Dallas Stars have a great tandem led by one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. Jake Oettinger is one of the NHL best goaltender and he has been for a couple years now. The Stars not only have one of the game’s best starters, but they also have a great backup in Casey DeSmith, who rounds out the unit. 

4 – Winnipeg Jets

Starter: Connor Hellebuyck

Backup: Stuart Skinner

Connor Hellebuyck had the worst season of his career in 2025-26, but with the Winnipeg Jets looking to bounce back following a difficult season, we can expect him to get back to his good habits. He will be joined by a new face, Stuart Skinner, who should be a decent option in a more reserved role, allowing the Jets to win low-scoring games even without Hellebuyck in the net.

3 – New York Rangers

Starter: Igor Shesterkin

Backup: Joonas Korpisalo

Igor Shesterkin is one of the NHL best goaltender in the NHL and will be backed up by Joonas Korpisalo this season. Everybody knows the importance of Shesterkin for the New York Rangers, but having a capable second goaltender like Korpisalo will be important for the Rangers if Shesterkin misses time with an injury once again in 2026-27.

2 – Minnesota Wild

Starter: Filip Gustavsson

Backup: Jesper Wallstedt

The Minnesota Wild have a pair of two really solid Swedish goaltenders. The tandem of Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt is one of the best in the NHL and it has shown last season. The Wild were the 4th best team in goal against averaged per game. While Gustavsson played more games in the regular season, it was Wallstedt who led the team in the playoffs with solid performances.

1 – Tampa Bay Lightning

Starter: Andrei Vasilevskiy

Backup: Dennis Hildeby or Jonas Johansson

Andrei Vasilevskiy has been healthy this season, and it showed. He looked like an elite goaltender who could carry the Tampa Bay Lightning, and he has. The Vezina trophy winner in 2025-26 is one of the best goaltender in the NHL if not the best. He will be joined by Dennis Hildeby or Jonas Johansson this season. Hildeby is a 24 year old goaltender who was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer and could finally make the jump full time to the NHL in 2026-27. Meanwhile, Johansson looked like a good enough backup, which is all the Lightning really needed in 2025-26.

What Do You Think?

Ultimately, goaltending might be the hardest position in hockey to predict. With so much movement around the league this offseason, several goaltenders will be playing behind new teams, new systems and completely different defensive structures. A goalie who struggled last season could suddenly bounce back, while someone coming off a career year could just as easily take a step backward.

That unpredictability makes ranking all 32 goaltending tandems far from an exact science. Some teams will inevitably finish much higher or lower than expected, and there will certainly be disagreements with the order. If you think a tandem is ranked too high or too low, let us know in the comments below.

Statistics were obtained from Hockey Reference