Fantasy NHL Guide: Draft Strategy for Star Goalies & Surprises

Key Strategies for Success in Fantasy Hockey

In fantasy hockey, goaltending is an essential component for success, although it’s not statistically impossible to win without a solid goalie. Performance categories depend heavily on a few key players, and negative numbers for goals allowed can significantly impact your chances in any league. For example, in the standard game, a goalie who stops 28 of 30 shots in a 4-2 win produces 5.6 valuable points, while conceding five goals on 31 shots in a 5-4 loss results in a loss of -4.8 points.

Default Goalie Scoring in Fantasy Hockey

Wins = 4 points
Overtime losses = 1 point
Shutouts = 3 points
Saves = 0.2 points
Goals against = -2 points

Just like in the real game, poor performance in goal can ruin your fantasy season. Imagine the managers who selected Juuse Saros and Jeremy Swayman as their main goalies before the 2024-25 season; a decision that, although not risky at the time, proved to be a challenge.

Contents

Key Strategies for Success in Fantasy Hockey Default Goalie Scoring in Fantasy Hockey Selection Strategy Elite Goalkeepers to Consider Top-Tier Goalkeepers to Consider Mid-Level Goalkeepers to Consider Promising Players Last Round Elections to Consider Players to Avoid in Drafts at Current Value

The formula is the same every year: the ideal goalkeeper competes frequently, wins many games, and stops as many shots as possible. However, finding the right figures in the NHL, which has a relatively small base of goalkeepers, is more difficult than it seems.

Selection Strategy

Securing the best goalies can make a big difference. One goalie stood out for having approximately 20% more fantasy points than his closest competitor. Although having Connor Hellebuyck didn’t guarantee victory in 2024-25, it did offer managers a significant advantage. If you can’t secure the best, don’t worry, there are other very good options. In conventional leagues with 10-12 managers, it is crucial to secure your first two goalkeepers at the beginning and then complete your squad with promising or underestimated players. Paying attention to players who are unexpectedly on the rise can be very beneficial. Participate in Hockey Fantasy for free! You can build your team, set lineups, and earn points when the pros do.

Elite Goalkeepers to Consider

Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning: (projected: 187.6, last season: 219.2)

Vasilevskiy, after back surgery, is at his best. With a record of 38-20-5, .921 SV% and 2.16 GAA in 63 games last season, he could surpass 200 fantasy points once again.

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets: (projected: 253.4, last season: 272.8)

Hellebuyck is one of the top candidates in the NHL’s goaltending.

Top-Tier Goalkeepers to Consider

Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars: (projected: 204.0, last season: 152.8)

Oettinger seems to fit perfectly into the ideal fantasy profile: a great goalie who plays a lot for one of the best teams in the league. In the first year of his contract, he is entering his prime with a team that should compete in the Western Conference. He is an excellent option after Hellebuyck and Vasilevskiy.

Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers: (projected: 177.8, last season: 113.8)

With a new coach and changes in personnel, this Rangers team will not underperform for a second consecutive year. Shesterkin could finish in the top 5 in total fantasy points. Also consider:

Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota Wild: (projected: 171.6, last season: 162.4)
Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers: (projected: 169.2, last season: 138.4)

Mid-Level Goalkeepers to Consider

Anthony Stolarz, Toronto Maple Leafs: (projected: 141.2, last season: 133.8)

Stolarz could be a top-tier goalie if it weren’t for his work history. His numbers were even better the previous season in Florida. If Stolarz could play more than 50 games for the Leafs, he would be an excellent number 2 goalie in any league.

Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators (projected: 110.2, last season: 49.2)

Despite his team failing to score, Saros managed to stay on the positive side in fantasy. Any manager who considers last year an isolated case could consider Saros, especially later in the draft. Also consider:

Linus Ullmark, Ottawa Senators: (projected: 85.0, last season: 114.6)

Promising Players

Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks: (projected: 82.4, last season: 79.4)

Dostal is ready to take control of Anaheim’s goal. He is a young player with a lot of potential and could be a wise choice as the number 3 goalie in your fantasy.

Jet Greaves, Columbus Blue Jackets: (projected: N/A, last season: 57.6)

After spending the majority of the last four years in the minor leagues, Greaves is ready for his chance in the NHL. With a 1.91 GAA and a .938 SV% in 2024-25, he could have better than expected fantasy numbers. Also consider:

Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey Devils: (projected: 94.4, last season: 98.6)
Yaroslav Askarov, San Jose Sharks: (projected: N/A, last season: 8.0)

If you’ve made it this far, you can create your own league with your own rules and play against your friends today.

Last Round Elections to Consider

Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins: (projected: 272.8, last season: 216.2)

Swayman, Boston’s number 1 goalie, is ready to return to his successes. As long as the Bruins remain competitive, Swayman will have a comeback season. Also consider:

Karel Vejmelka, Utah Mammoth: (projected: 64.6, last season: 97.8)

Players to Avoid in Drafts at Current Value

Joey Daccord, Seattle Kraken (No. 4 goalie, projected: 129.8, last season: 106.8)

Despite his good performance, Daccord should not be considered one of the top 12 fantasy goalies. It’s better to avoid him rather than other more reliable players with greater potential. Also consider: