The 10 best goalies to choose for your hockey pool

Swayman has emerged as one of the most reliable young goaltenders in the NHL. His calm demeanor and excellent positioning make him extremely tough to beat, even against high-scoring teams.

He often posts strong numbers in both save percentage and goals-against average, and his workload is likely to increase as Boston transitions more responsibility his way. For fantasy owners, that means potential for more wins, steady ratios, and a handful of shutouts.

If you want a goalie who blends youth, upside, and the safety of playing behind a well-structured defensive team, Swayman is a smart investment.

Darcy Kuemper had a bounce-back strong season in 2024-25: excellent win–loss record, low goals-against average, and among the best in save percentage. 

He benefits from playing behind a solid defensive team, which helps his fantasy stats shine (cleaner shots, fewer high danger chances).

For pools emphasizing wins and consistency (fewer terrible blowouts), Kuemper is a smart mid-tier to upper-mid pick. He’s the kind of goalie you can trust to start regularly and know you’ll get decent stats most of the time. In pools that value wins and GAA heavily, Kuemper’s team context makes him especially valuable.

Thatcher Demko is a high-upside fantasy option, but he comes with risk due to his injury history. When healthy, however, he has proven to be a top-tier netminder, capable of delivering excellent save percentages, strong GAA numbers, and shutouts.

His technical skills and calm play make him reliable even when the Canucks’ defense allows too many chances.

In fantasy pools, Demko is the type of goalie who could easily outperform his draft position — if he stays healthy. The gamble is whether he can play a full workload over an entire season..

Linus Ullmark’s move to Ottawa gave him a chance to shine as a true number-one goalie.

Previously part of a tandem in Boston, he now carries more responsibility, and that has translated into solid fantasy production. He brings a combination of size, athleticism, and composure that allows him to dominate when he’s on his game.

His shutout potential is particularly appealing for fantasy managers, as he tends to post several each season. While Ottawa may not yet be among the elite NHL teams, Ullmark is capable of stealing games, which makes him a great option in categories beyond just wins. 

Juuse Saros has built a reputation as one of the most dependable and consistent goalies in hockey. At 5’11”, he may be undersized by NHL standards, but his athleticism and sharp positioning allow him to thrive against bigger shooters.

Saros is valuable because he almost always plays a high volume of games, which translates into more opportunities for wins, saves, and shutouts.

His save percentage regularly sits in the .915 range, and while Nashville’s team success can vary, Saros’ individual performance remains steady. That consistency makes him a very safe pick, particularly in pools where you need a goalie who won’t swing wildly between amazing and disastrous outings.

Connor Hellebuyck is currently the gold standard for fantasy goaltending. In 2024-25, he posted a phenomenal stat line: 47 wins, a .925 save percentage, a 2.00 GAA, and a league-leading eight shutouts. He not only won the Vezina Trophy but also the Hart Memorial Trophy, proving he was the most valuable player in the entire NHL — a rare honor for a goalie.

For pool managers, that means elite production across every major goalie category: wins, ratios, and shutouts.

Beyond the stats, Hellebuyck is incredibly consistent, rarely having disastrous outings that can sink a fantasy week. The Jets’ strong defensive structure also supports his numbers, giving him both floor and ceiling value. 

Igor Shesterkin may not have matched his historic 2021-22 season lately, but he remains one of the league’s most dynamic goaltenders and a reliable fantasy asset.

His quick reflexes and ability to handle heavy shot volumes make him an excellent option, particularly in leagues that count saves as a category.

Even in less dominant years, he has hovered around a .915 save percentage and has a knack for posting multiple shutouts. The Rangers play an offensive style that sometimes exposes their goalie, but Shesterkin is one of the few netminders who can thrive in high-pressure situations.

Jake Oettinger has steadily become one of the most trusted goaltenders in the NHL. He’s known for his durability and calm presence, which translates well for fantasy purposes.

Oettinger has consistently reached 30-plus wins in recent seasons and has shown the ability to elevate his game in the playoffs, which signals he’s capable of handling the pressure of being a true number-one goalie.

His GAA and save percentage are generally strong, if not elite, but his steady wins make him a reliable second-tier choice behind the top three.

Andrei Vasilevskiy has been a fantasy mainstay for nearly a decade, and with good reason. He consistently delivers elite numbers in wins and shutouts, all while maintaining a strong GAA and save percentage.

In 2024-25, he logged some of the heaviest minutes among all goaltenders and still produced excellent stats: a .921 save percentage, a 2.18 GAA, and six shutouts. What makes him especially appealing in pools is his ability to stay reliable even when his team isn’t at its absolute peak.

His playoff pedigree also gives managers confidence that he won’t collapse under pressure. While Hellebuyck might be the undisputed number one right now, Vasilevskiy remains a top-tier choice with very little risk. 

Even at 36, Sergei Bobrovsky continues to prove his worth as a fantasy goalie. He’s no longer the high-risk, inconsistent player he once was earlier in his career; instead, he has found consistency with the Florida Panthers.

Bobrovsky is supported by a strong defensive system, which helps him maintain a solid GAA, while his personal experience allows him to make the big saves when necessary.

While he may not challenge for the absolute top spot in fantasy anymore, he still provides excellent value, particularly in categories like wins and shutouts.