NHL Fantasy Goalie Guide: Strategy and Top Draft Picks

Deep Dive: Key Strategies for Fantasy Hockey Success

In the world of virtual ice hockey, the goal is a crucial bastion. Getting a solid performance from the goalies is essential to succeed in fantasy leagues. Individual statistics categories and negative points for goals conceded can drastically affect the chances of success.

For example, in the standard ESPN format, a goalkeeper who saves 28 of 30 shots in a 4-2 victory adds 5.6 points. Conversely, conceding five goals on 31 shots in a 5-4 defeat results in a loss of -4.8 points, a significant difference.

ESPN’s Default Goalie Scoring

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

Just like in real life, poor performance between the pipes can ruin a fantasy season. Managers who selected Juuse Saros and Jeremy Swayman as their top two goalies before the 2024-25 season experienced a difficult situation, although it wasn’t a risky choice at the time. The key strategy for fantasy hockey success is to identify goalies who compete frequently, achieve many wins, and stop as many shots as possible. Although finding these players in the NHL can be tricky, the difference in fantasy points between the best and the rest is notable.

A leading goalkeeper outperformed his closest competitor by approximately 20% in fantasy points.

Alofoke Deportes

Securing top goaltenders can provide a significant advantage, as demonstrated by Connor Hellebuyck in the 2024-25 season. If the best cannot be obtained, other viable options exist. In deeper leagues with 10-12 managers, securing two high-level goalkeepers from the start and complementing the team with players with great potential or underrated can be an effective strategy. Paying attention to players who unexpectedly perform well can be very profitable.

Elite Goalkeepers to Sign

Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning: Projected with 187.6 points, last year he had 219.2. After recovering from back surgery, Vasilevskiy is at his best. The 31-year-old player suggests that he has not yet reached his peak. Last season, he had a record of 38-20-5, a .921% save percentage and a 2.16 goals against average in 63 games. He is likely to surpass 200 points once again.

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets: Projected with 253.4 points, last year he had 272.8.

Top-Tier Goalkeepers to Sign

Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars: Projected with 204.0 points, last year he had 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 lucrative contract, the 27-year-old player is entering his prime with a team that, once again, should compete in the Western Conference. Once Hellebuyck and Vasilevskiy are not available, the Stars’ number 1 is the next best option.

Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers: Projected for 177.8 points, last year he had 113.8. With a new coach and personnel changes, the Rangers will not perform poorly for a second consecutive year. Shesterkin could finish in the top 5 in total fantasy points.

Mid-level Goalkeepers to Sign

Anthony Stolarz, Toronto Maple Leafs: Projected with 141.2 points, last year he had 133.8. Stolarz could be a top player if it weren’t for his work history. He led all active goalies with a .926% save percentage and a 2.14 goals against average in 2024-25. If Stolarz could play more than 50 games for a high-quality team like the Leafs, he would be an excellent number 2 goalie in any league.Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators: Projected with 110.2 points, last year he had 49.2. Despite his team’s inability to score, Saros still managed to stay positive in fantasy. Any manager who considers Nashville’s debacle of last year as an isolated incident could bet on Saros, especially later in the draft. He is a good to excellent goaltender, and GM Barry Trotz will not allow a second mistake.Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins: Projected with 272.8 points, last year he had 216.2. Swayman is ready to return to his best moments. As long as the Bruins remain competitive, Swayman will have a comeback season. The analysis of goalies in fantasy hockey reveals the importance of strategic choice and the monitoring of players with potential. The key is to identify goalies who offer consistent performance and high point potential. The selection of goalies can make the difference between success and failure in fantasy leagues.