As the puck drops on a new NHL season, fantasy hockey managers are eagerly studying goalie depth charts to gain an edge in their upcoming drafts. With tandem situations, injuries, and emerging talents shaking up the goaltending landscape, staying informed is more critical than ever. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into each team’s crease, highlighting the fantasy implications of every starter, backup, and injured netminder.
Anaheim Ducks: Dostal Takes Flight
The Anaheim Ducks are rolling with youth between the pipes, as Lukas Dostal assumes the starting role. The 22-year-old impressed in limited action last season and is poised for a breakout campaign. Veteran James Reimer will provide mentorship as the backup, while John Gibson remains sidelined with an injury. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should keep an eye on Dostal’s progress.
Boston Bruins: Swayman’s Net to Lose
Jeremy Swayman emerged as the Bruins’ starter down the stretch last season and appears to have a firm grasp on the role heading into the new campaign. Off-season acquisition Joonas Korpisalo will push for starts as a capable backup, but Swayman’s upside makes him the more appealing fantasy option. In all but the shallowest of leagues, the Maine native is worth drafting as a low-end No. 1 goalie.
Buffalo Sabres: Tandem of the Future
The Buffalo Sabres are betting on their goaltending future with the tandem of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi. Luukkonen showed flashes of brilliance last season, while Levi dominated the NCAA ranks. Both young goalies will likely see significant action, making them intriguing late-round fliers in deeper fantasy leagues. If one of them claims the starting role outright, they could provide significant value.
Calgary Flames: Riding the Dustin Wolf
After a stellar AHL campaign, Dustin Wolf is set to share the crease with Dan Vladar for the Calgary Flames. Wolf’s minor-league dominance suggests he has the inside track to the starting role, but Vladar’s experience could lead to a more even split. Both goalies are worth late-round considerations in deeper leagues, with Wolf offering the higher upside.
Carolina Hurricanes: Andersen and Kochetkov Tandem
The Carolina Hurricanes will once again lean on the veteran presence of Frederik Andersen, but rising star Pyotr Kochetkov is poised to see an increased role. Andersen remains a solid fantasy option when healthy, but Kochetkov’s potential breakout makes him an appealing target in the middle rounds. Don’t be surprised if this tandem evolves into a 1A/1B situation as the season progresses.
Chicago Blackhawks: Mrazek Leads the Way
As the Chicago Blackhawks embrace a rebuild, Petr Mrazek will shoulder the bulk of the goaltending duties. While wins may be hard to come by, Mrazek’s experience should provide stability for the young team. Backup Arvid Soderblom will likely see spot starts, but his fantasy value is limited. Injured netminder Laurent Brossoit could factor into the mix once healthy, further muddying the waters in the Windy City.
Colorado Avalanche: Georgiev Stands Tall
Fresh off a Stanley Cup victory, the Colorado Avalanche will continue to rely on Alexandar Georgiev as their starter. The Bulgarian netminder thrived in his first season with the Avs and should remain a solid fantasy option behind a talented roster. Justus Annunen is waiting in the wings as the backup, but barring injury, Georgiev will see the lion’s share of starts.
Blue Jackets’ Tandem: Merzlikins and Tarasov
The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to deploy a tandem of Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov, with both goalies likely to see significant action. Merzlikins has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, while Tarasov impressed in limited action last season. Fantasy managers in deep leagues may want to consider handcuffing these two goalies, as the hot hand could emerge as a valuable asset.
Dallas Stars: Oettinger’s Crease to Lose
Jake Oettinger established himself as one of the league’s top young goalies last season and enters the new campaign as the unquestioned starter for the Dallas Stars. With veteran backup Casey DeSmith in the fold, Oettinger should see a heavy workload and is a surefire early-round selection in all fantasy formats. The 24-year-old has the potential to finish as a top-five fantasy goalie.
Goaltending is the most important position in the playoffs. If you don’t have a goalie that can play better than everyone else’s, good luck.
– Barry Trotz, Former NHL Head Coach
As the NHL season draws near, fantasy managers must stay attuned to the ever-shifting goalie landscape. By closely monitoring depth charts, identifying emerging talents, and pouncing on undervalued assets, savvy owners can build a championship-caliber crease. Keep a keen eye on training camp battles and preseason performances, as they often provide valuable insights into each team’s goaltending hierarchy.
Remember, in the world of fantasy hockey, a solid goaltending tandem can be the difference between a early playoff exit and a triumphant championship run. Do your due diligence, trust your instincts, and may the puck luck be with you.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to deploy a tandem of Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov, with both goalies likely to see significant action. Merzlikins has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, while Tarasov impressed in limited action last season. Fantasy managers in deep leagues may want to consider handcuffing these two goalies, as the hot hand could emerge as a valuable asset.
Dallas Stars: Oettinger’s Crease to Lose
Jake Oettinger established himself as one of the league’s top young goalies last season and enters the new campaign as the unquestioned starter for the Dallas Stars. With veteran backup Casey DeSmith in the fold, Oettinger should see a heavy workload and is a surefire early-round selection in all fantasy formats. The 24-year-old has the potential to finish as a top-five fantasy goalie.
Goaltending is the most important position in the playoffs. If you don’t have a goalie that can play better than everyone else’s, good luck.
– Barry Trotz, Former NHL Head Coach
As the NHL season draws near, fantasy managers must stay attuned to the ever-shifting goalie landscape. By closely monitoring depth charts, identifying emerging talents, and pouncing on undervalued assets, savvy owners can build a championship-caliber crease. Keep a keen eye on training camp battles and preseason performances, as they often provide valuable insights into each team’s goaltending hierarchy.
Remember, in the world of fantasy hockey, a solid goaltending tandem can be the difference between a early playoff exit and a triumphant championship run. Do your due diligence, trust your instincts, and may the puck luck be with you.
