Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Goalie Guide: Top Picks, Sleepers, Strategy
Rostering a strong goaltending corps is essential for fantasy hockey success. In the world of fantasy sports, having a solid group of netminders can make or break your team’s chances of finishing at the top of the standings. ESPN Fantasy’s standard game rewards wins, saves, shutouts, and penalizes goals-allowed, making it crucial to have reliable goaltenders on your roster.
In ESPN Fantasy’s standard game, a goaltender’s performance is measured by their ability to stop shots, win games, and earn shutouts. For example, stopping 28 of 30 shots in a 4-2 win can earn a goalie 5.6 points, while allowing five goals on 31 shots in a 5-4 loss can result in a loss of -4.8 points. The key is to have a goalie who can consistently perform well in all categories to maximize your team’s success.
One goaltender who excelled in the 2023-24 season was Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. Hellebuyck finished with almost 30 more points than the second-best netminder, Sergei Bobrovsky, by checking all the boxes and earning five shutouts along the way. His performance highlights the importance of selecting top-tier goalies early in your draft.
Top Picks
Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators is a top-tier goalie to consider for the upcoming season. Saros finished fifth overall in fantasy scoring in ESPN Fantasy standard leagues in 2023-24, starting more games than any other netminder. With a strong team in front of him, including Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, Saros is poised to continue his success in the upcoming season.
Another standout goalie to consider is Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins. With his former tandem-mate Linus Ullmark traded to Ottawa, Swayman is in a prime position to take on a larger role in the Bruins’ crease. With impressive numbers and a stronger team around him, Swayman has the potential to be a top-five fantasy goalie this season.
Mid-tier Goalies to Target
Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils is a mid-tier goalie worth considering for your fantasy team. After joining the Devils, Markstrom is set to benefit from a bolstered defense and a solid group of skaters in front of him. With his experience and talent, Markstrom has the potential to finish as a top-10 fantasy netminder in the upcoming season.
Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers is another mid-tier goalie to keep an eye on. After finishing with the sixth-most points in ESPN Fantasy standard leagues last season, Skinner is poised for a higher ranking this year. With an improved Oilers team in front of him, Skinner has the potential to exceed expectations and be a valuable fantasy asset.
Key Sleepers
Anthony Stolarz of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a sleeper goalie to consider for your fantasy team. With Joseph Woll’s recent health issues, Stolarz could see more playing time and have the opportunity to shine behind a strong Toronto blue line. As a proven quality goaltender, Stolarz has the potential to surprise fantasy managers with his performance this season.
Ilya Samsonov of the Vegas Golden Knights is another sleeper goalie to watch. After a challenging season, Samsonov is looking to bounce back and make the most of his opportunities with the Golden Knights. Signed to a one-year deal, Samsonov will be motivated to prove himself and could be a pleasant fantasy surprise as a third goaltender in deeper leagues.
In conclusion, selecting the right goaltenders for your fantasy hockey team is crucial for success. By choosing top picks, mid-tier goalies, and key sleepers, you can build a strong goaltending corps that will give you an edge in your league. Keep an eye on these players and others as you prepare for your fantasy draft, and set yourself up for a successful season on the virtual ice.