For most fantasy setups, goaltending plays a huge role in accumulating points for your team. Whether it’s getting points for wins, GAA, SV%, and shutouts it’s important that you select the right goaltender. Here are the top five goals to look at when doing your draft.
5. Linus Ullmark
Coming off the best year of his career, Ullmark claimed his first Vezina Trophy and his team had the best season in NHL history. With Bergeron and Krejci not coming back this season, things will be a little different in the Bruins organization. Ullmark will still be a solid choice for fantasy but don’t expect the same numbers from last year. He would be a higher draft pick if it wasn’t for splitting his time with Swayman. For the team, it’s good to have two reliable goaltenders but for fantasy, you won’t get as many points as other team’s goalies that start more games. Overall, Ullmark is still a good choice but just remember, he will start between 40-45 games.
4. Andrei Vasilevskiy
If it wasn’t for his back surgery, he would be a number pick for goaltenders. He’s been the best goalie in the NHL for four to five years. Winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay, winning the Conn Smythe as MVP of the playoffs, and the fastest goalie to 250 wins in NHL history. It looks like he will return to action sometime in late November maybe early December. He will be a reliable choice as a goaltender even if you need to place him on the IR in the meantime. Vasy will help you get wins down the stretch especially when it comes to fantasy playoffs.
3. Igor Shesterkin
In the past two seasons, Shesterkin has posted 73 wins, tying him for first alongside fellow countryman Andrei Vasilevskiy. Another solid choice if you are looking to solidify your goaltending early. With a career GAA of 2.37 and a .924 save percentage, you know you're getting a reliable goalie between the pipes. The Rangers signed Jonathan Quick in the off-season which will help relieve some starts for Shesterkin. There seemed to be some fatigue near the end of the season for Shesterkin so having Quick as a backup can help him stay healthy. A strong Rangers team will help boost Igor’s numbers. If you like to draft goalies in the first few rounds, Shesterkin should be an option.
2. Jake Oettinger
Oettinger should be on your radar early if you are looking for a solid goaltender. This Dallas Stars team is going to be dangerous to play against. Oettinger had strong numbers last season, posting a 2.35 GAA and a .919 SV% through 62 starts. Just like Shesterkin, I would be a little nervous with the fatigue factor, but he is still young and will be able to battle through it. Finished tied for 3rd with 37 wins last season, Oettinger should be able to repeat those numbers, especially with how strong the team is in front of him. Expect him to be gone within the first two rounds of the draft.
1. Ilya Sorokin
Arguably, the best goalie on the planet, Ilya Sorokin is looking to continue his dominance between the pipes. Posting a 2.33 GAA and a .924 SV% on a mediocre Islanders team shows he can carry any team in the NHL. The Islanders play more of a defensive-style game in which they really rely on their defence and their goalie. Sorokin finished with the most shutouts with six. If you are looking for a goalie who can maximize your fantasy points, Sorokin is your guy. He should be the first goalie to go in the draft so pick him early if you want him.