Top 25 Fantasy Hockey Goalies for 2025-26

Goaltending is often the most volatile and crucial position in fantasy hockey. With the 2025-26 season approaching, NHL.com's latest rankings provide a roadmap for managers seeking stability, upside, and category coverage in the crease. This analysis goes beyond the list, breaking down usage trends, team context, and hidden risk factors that can make or break your season.

What’s New & Why It Matters

This year’s rankings reflect a changing of the guard in several NHL nets, with emerging talents pushing established veterans for playing time. The top tier is anchored by proven workhorses like Connor Hellebuyck, but there’s a noticeable injection of youth, such as Dustin Wolf, signaling possible shifts in team strategies and fantasy value. Injuries and off-season moves have also shaken up depth charts, making it essential to monitor pre-season and early regular season usage rates. Workload, power-play kill efficiency, and team defense are all key factors that have influenced these rankings, and will continue to shape fantasy outcomes.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In pure points formats, volume is king. Hellebuyck’s top ranking is no accident—he’s a near lock for 60+ starts behind a defensively sound Winnipeg squad. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Igor Shesterkin remain elite due to their combination of talent and heavy usage, but keep an eye on teams trending toward timeshares. Goalies on up-and-coming teams or those with a clear grasp on the starting job, like Logan Thompson in Washington, offer both floor and ceiling. Injuries, however, can quickly derail a points-only strategy, as seen with Joseph Woll in Toronto.

Categories / Bangers

For those in multi-category leagues, targeting goalies who rack up saves and wins is key, but don’t overlook the value of shutouts and SV%. Logan Thompson’s rise is notable here; his aggressive style and strong supporting cast could mean a spike in peripheral stats. Conversely, goalies on teams with poor penalty kills or questionable bluelines (even if talented individually) may see their ratios suffer. Injuries and platoon risk—like in Toronto—should push managers to prioritize durability and workload over name value. Streaming matchups, especially during favorable stretches (stream WSH this week), can give you a crucial edge.

Dynasty / Keeper

The emergence of young talents such as Dustin Wolf is especially relevant for dynasty managers. Wolf’s long-term upside is significant, but patience is required as he battles for starts. Veterans with heavy workloads remain valuable, but age and contract situations introduce risk; always be prepared to pivot if a changing team context or prospect push alters the depth chart. Monitoring injury histories and organizational depth is critical, as backup roles can quickly morph into starting gigs—sometimes for the rest of the season.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Logan Thompson (WSH): Ranked fourth, he’s poised for a breakout as Washington’s likely starter.
Dustin Wolf (CGY): High-upside rookie, especially valuable in dynasty formats.
Joseph Woll (TOR): Currently injured; only stash if you have IR flexibility.
Igor Shesterkin (NYR): Elite starter on a strong team, a must-roster in all formats.
Connor Hellebuyck (WPG): Top overall option; start with confidence every week.
Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL): Still an elite option, but monitor for any signs of regression or injury.

Fantasy Takeaways

Prioritize goalies with clear starting roles and strong defensive teams, such as Hellebuyck and Shesterkin.
Emerging talents like Logan Thompson and Dustin Wolf offer both short- and long-term upside, but require monitoring for workload and team dynamics.
Injuries can quickly change the fantasy landscape—have contingency plans and don’t hesitate to drop or stream as needed.
In bangers and categories leagues, chase volume and favorable schedules for streaming opportunities.
Dynasty managers should keep tabs on prospect pipelines and organizational shifts, as the next breakout may be waiting in the wings.

Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.