NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 20 Goaltenders Under 25 Years Old
NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 20 Goaltenders Under 25 Years Old
The final release in our 3-piece NHL player power rankings series will feature the “Top 20 Goaltenders Under 25 Years Old”.
In part one, we featured “Top 100 Forwards Under 25 Years Old“. Part two featured “Top 50 Defensemen Under 25 Years Old“.
Don’t forget to follow us on Monday with our NHL Trade Deadline Tracker. We’ll be posting it at 9:00AM EST, as we follow the action all-day long with news, rumors, trades, and analysis.
Requirements:
By necessity, we’ve changed the requirements for goaltenders in comparison to forwards and defense. One game of NHL experience is all that’s needed.
Birthday Cut-Off Date is: February 27th, 1991 (1991-02-27)
Prospect Talent Destined to Make Future List:
Jon Gillies, Calgary Flames
The Flames are taking an extended look at Joni Ortio well Karri Ramo is on the shelf. Another goalie on the shelf for the year is Jon Gillies. He went down in his first year of pro hockey joining Calgary’s AHL affiliate in Stockton. Gillies should be given a long look at training camp next year.
Mason McDonald, Calgary Flames
Still a few years down the road. Starter potential.
Alex Nedeljkovic, Carolina Hurricanes
Stole the show at this year’s World Juniors. He’s still several years away from being NHL ready.
Zachary Fucale, Montreal Canadiens
Perhaps the closest to being NHL ready of future stars listed here. He will be a major trade chip for Montreal whenever they decide to trade him.
Mackenzie Blackwood, New Jersey Devils
Blackwood didn’t look good playing for Team Canada. It’s also rumored that he’s struggled since for the Barrie Colts. He’s still one of the NHL’s top goaltending prospects further down the road.
Felix Sandstrom, Philadelphia Flyers
He’ll likely spend two or three more years overseas before making the jump to North America.
Antoine Bibeau, Toronto Maple Leafs
He should get a look at some point down the stretch with James Reimer being traded to San Jose.
Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks
The best goaltender in college hockey has elite potential. He won’t be ready until after Ryan Miller has retired, at which point he can battle Jacob Markstrom for time in the blue paint.
Jordan Binnington, St.Louis Blues
A little older than the rest, Binnington has a couple of years of AHL experienced under his belt. He doesn’t project to be a starter, but he might develop into a solid number two behind Jake Allen.
Next: 20-16
NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 20 Goaltenders Under 25 (20-16)
20. Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators (20 years old) 1995-04-19
Juuse Saros lacks the height of other top goaltending prospects but he is a technically adept goaltender that uses angles and outstanding athleticism to compensate for that perceived shortcoming. His biggest strengths include his ability to compete, his penchant for stopping second and third chance opportunities, and the mental composure to quickly put goals behind him. Saros has the strength, durability and stamina to play every night, having played over 50 games in back-to-back seasons over the past two years. [Hockey’s Future]
Saros was selected 99th overall (4th round) in 2013 from Finland. He spent the following two seasons playing for HPK Hameenlinna in the Finnish Elite League (SM-Liiga). In 2013-14, he went 16-16-8 with a 1.76GAA .928 save percentage, including seven shutouts. One year later in 2014-15, Saros went 13-18-16 with a 2.14GAA and .929 save percentage, including six shutouts. This suggests a ton of scoreless ties over the past two seasons in a league known for notoriously low scoring. Joining AHL Milwaukee in 2015-16, Saros is 17-6-0 with a 2.44GAA and .916 save percentage, plus two shutouts. He made his NHL debut this season, allowing three goals on 23 shots, taking the loss.
19. Matt O’Connor, Ottawa Senators (24 years old) 1992-02-14
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The late-blooming Matt O’Connor is a big, agile presence between the pipes. His lateral movement is impressive, he aggressively challenges shooters, and despite a few mishaps in exhibition play this fall, hunts the puck down through traffic. He led Boston University to the Frozen Four Finals last spring with a 24-4-4 record, 2.18 goals-against and .927 save percentage, and he is perfectly capable of becoming a reliable starter at the NHL level. [Hockey’s Future]
Free-agent signing by the Senators after a solid season in 2014-15 with Boston University. He went 25-4-4 with 2.18 GAA and .927 save percentage in his third season with BU. He’s a Toronto-born kid that spent a couple of seasons in the USHL before making the jump to college hockey. O’Connor has spent the 2015-16 campaign with AHL Binghampton, this after opening the season as Ottawa’s backup – replacing an injured Andrew Hammond.
18. Jean-Francois Berube, New York Islanders (24 years old) 1991-07-13
Berube is a big butterfly goaltender who was originally drafted in 2009 and emerged as a prospect through persistence and attrition as higher profile goalies came and went in the Kings’ organization. Now with the Islanders, he is always square to the shooter and moves quickly between the pipes. The biggest strengths of Berube’s game are his positioning and technical skills — which have steadily matured since his junior days in the QMJHL. [Hockey’s Future]
Los Angeles selected Berube 95th overall (4th round) back in 2009 from QMJHL Montreal. After spending his first couple seasons of pro hockey with ECHL Ontario Reign, Berube got the nod as starter for the Kings AHL affiliate in Manchester in 2013-14. He went 28-17-2 with a 2.37GAA and .913 save percentage. Last season (2014-15), Berube went 37-9-4 with a 2.18GAA and .913 save percentage. The Kings were forced to put him on waivers back on October 6th, and the New York Islanders quickly claimed him. He’s looked good in 2015-16, but is struggling to stay healthy.
17. Garret Sparks, Toronto Maple Leafs (22 years old) 1993-06-28
Sparks is a large player whose frame allows him to be a very good blocking goaltender. He cuts down the angles well and is able to track play through traffic. Sparks steadily showed gained more consistency during his junior career and has shown promise early in his pro career — though he been set back by injuries. [Hockey’s Future]
He was taken 190th overall (7th round) in 2011 from OHL’s Guelph Storm. After two sub-par OHL campaigns leading into the 2011 Draft, Sparks emerged the following year (2012-13). He went 36-17-4 with a 2.65GAA and .917 save percentage, including six shutouts. Sparks also saw three games with AHL Toronto that season. Starting his pro career full-time in 2013-14, Sparks split time between ECHL Orlando and AHL Toronto the next two seasons. He’s putting up career numbers in 2015-16, and even saw a short stint with the Maple Leafs. Sparks was the first goalie in Leafs history to record a shutout in their NHL debut. He’s since battled injuries this season.
With today’s trade of James Reimer, Maple Leafs have decided to give Garret Sparks and Antoine Bibeau extra NHL experience down the stretch.
More puck prose: Top 50 Defensemen Under 25 Years Old
16. Anton Forsberg, Columbus Blue Jackets (23 years old) 1992-11-27
Forsberg has good size and is continuing to refine the technical aspects of his game. He has steadily developed and has a lot of natural ability and needs a few years of experience. He is often referred to as a butterfly goalie that plays a modern style and is not afraid to come to the tip of the crease. He appeared a bit overwhelmed in his first NHL experience but has played well at the minor league level in his first year in North America. [Hockey’s Future]
Anton was selected 188th overall (7th round) in 2011 from Sweden. Columbus took Forsberg two picks before Toronto selected 17th ranked Garret Sparks. After spending close to three more years in Sweden, Forsberg made his North American debut, appearing in four games for AHL Springfield towards the end of 2013-14. Forsberg joined Springfield full-time in 2014-15, going 20-8-1 with a 2.01GAA and .927 save percentage. He also made his NHL debut, going 0-4-0 in five appearances. In 2015-16, Forsberg is 14-8-3 with Columbus’ new AHL affiliate in Cleveland, the Lake Erie Monsters. He’s also made four NHL starts, going 1-3-0 with a 3.03GAA and .907 save percentage.
Next: 15-11
NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 20 Goaltenders Under 25 (15-11)
15. Kristers Gudlevskis, Tampa Bay Lightning (23 years old) 1992-07-31
Gudlevskis continues to refine the technical and tactical aspects of his game but is a large, lanky goalie who fills the net well and uses his size to advantage. He is an athletic goaltender who can sometimes use his physical tools to compensate for mistakes. He needs more consistency as he faces higher quality scorers capable of exploiting any lapses. He is a well-conditioned athlete and has the stamina to handle a big workload though he appeared fatigued at the end of the long season. [Hockey’s Future]
The Latvian-born goalie was selected 124th overall (5th round) in 2013 from Russia. He joined AHL Syracuse the following season in 2013-14, going 18-11-4 with a 2.68GAA and .901 save percentage, including five shutouts. He also saw time with ECHL Florida, going 7-4-0 with a 1.83GAA and .925 save percentage. Given full-time AHL duties in 2014-15, Gudlevskis went 25-14-4 with a 2.81GAA and .900 save percentage. So far in 2015-16, Kristers is 9-9-6 with a 2.96GAA and .902 save percentage with AHL Syracuse. He also made his NHL debut while Andrei Vasilevskiy was on the IR, taking an overtime loss in a great performance stopping 31 of 32 shots.
14. Malcolm Subban, Boston Bruins (22 years old) 1993-12-21
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Malcolm Subban is an athletic goaltender with size and explosive lateral mobility. Practically unbeatable in one-on-one situations, he’s poised but is also capable of making highlight reel saves thanks to his athleticism and agility. Subban has drawn some criticism for his technique, which is less refined than other goaltending prospects. If Subban can iron out the wrinkles, he has star potential. [Hockey’s Future]
Taken 24th overall at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Malcolm is a younger brother of Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban. After a solid junior career with OHL Belleville, Subban suited up in 33 games for AHL Providence in 2013-14, winning 15 games, 2.31 GAA, and .920 save percentage. In 2014-15 Subban appeared in 35 games for Providence, winning 16 games, 2.44 GAA, and .921 save percentage. His NHL debut only last 31 minutes, in which he allowed three goals on six shots before getting pulled. In 2015-16 with Providence, Subban is 14-8-5 with a 2.46GAA and .911 save percentage.
13. Laurent Brossoit, Edmonton Oilers (22 years old) 1993-03-23
Brossoit is a strong, athletic, and agile goaltender who has a long reach and can extend his large frame to fill the upper section of the net. The butterfly goalie can be at times brilliant and get on a hot streak but is prone to letting in a weak goal on a harmless-looking shot when he’s fighting his game. His biggest weakness is that he can be susceptible to letting in soft goals and losing his mental focus. The risk with the raw netminder is whether he can overcome his mental consistency issue to play goal at the pro level. [Hockey’s Future]
Originally a draft pick of the Calgary Flames, Brossoit was taken 164th overall (6th round) back in 2011 from WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings. Laurent was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in November 2013, two games into his pro career (only two games played with AHL Abbotsford/three games with ECHL Alaska). He split time in 2013-14 between AHL Oklahoma City and ECHL Bakersfield. Earning the AHL starter role in 2014-15, Brossoit went 25-22-4 with a 2.56GAA and .918 save percentage. He also made his NHL debut, yielding a spectacular 49 save performance, which unfortunately led to a loss. So far in 2015-16, Brossoit is 15-9-3 with a 2.69GAA and .919 save percentage down in Bakersfield. He’s already played one game for Edmonton this year, and may get an extended look down the stretch.
12. Philipp Grubauer, Washington Capitals (24 years old) 1991-11-25
At 6’1 and 185 pounds, Grubauer plays bigger than his size in net. He has a strong ability to fill the net, though he is still susceptible to high shots. His true strength comes in his positioning and his demeanor; he is calm and collected at all times, rarely seeming rattled. Though he is not the most athletic goaltender in the Capitals’ ranks, he shows quick legs and a strong glove hand. Graubauer is not the kind of goaltender who makes the highlight reel, but he can be as solid as they come. [Hockey’s Future]
The German-born goalie was taken 112th overall (4th round) back in 2010 from the OHL. He began his pro career in 2011-12 with ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays, going 23-13-5 with a 2.22GAA and .918 save percentage. Joining ECHL Reading in 2012-13, consistent solid performance prompted his call-up to AHL Hershey. Excellent play in the AHL resulting in Grubauer’s NHL debut in 2012-13, appearing in two games. He split time between Hershey and Washington in 2013-14. With Braden Holtby and Justin Peters in the mix in 2014-15, Grubauer spent most of the season with Hershey. He went 27-17-5 with a 2.30GAA and .921 save percentage. His performance lead to a promotion in 2015-16, settling in as Holtby’s backup. He’s 6-5-1 with a 2.11GAA and .926 save percentage in 15 appearances.
More puck prose: Top 100 Forwards Under 25 Years Old
11. Joni Ortio, Calgary Flames (24 years old) 1991-04-16
Ortio is goalie who relies on his agility and athleticism. Plays an acrobatic style and has a good head for the position. Also handles the puck well with his stick. Cound improve his positional skills and footwork. [Ulf Andersson]
Ortio has good reflexes, rebound control and quick lateral movement while playing with great composure and poise under pressure. The young netminder can at times show flashes of brilliance and has the mental strength to excel on breakaways or shootouts. He will have to continue improving his overall strength and learn to play a more aggressive style against the shooter in order to play in North America. [Hockey’s Future]
Sixth round draft pick in 2009 has spent the last two seasons playing with AHL Abbotsford and Adirondack producing two solid seasons. He also appeared in six games for Calgary in 2014-15 going 4-2 with 2.52 GAA and .908 save percentage. After being immersed into an uncomfortable three-man goalie situation to open 2015-16, Ortio eventually ended up the odd-man out. A recent injury to Karri Ramo will offer Joni Ortio some extended time in the crease heading down the stretch.
Next: 10-6
NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 20 Goaltenders Under 25 (10-6)
10. Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins (21 years old) 1994-05-25
Murray is a tall, athletic goaltender who possesses immense potential. He is the type of player where the more starts he sees, the higher the quality of his performance. Murray has the potential to be an NHL starter, but needs to gain more starts in the pros and continue to improve his anticipation. He’s got a quick glove and stick, though could stand to upgrade his puck-moving ability, especially when he leaves the net. [Hockey’s Future]
Murray was taken in the third round at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He showed improvement in each of his four seasons in the OHL, ending in 2013-14 with a 32-11-6 record, including 2.57 GAA and .921 save percentage. He’s only got one full year of pro experience so far with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, but appeared in 40 games going 25-10-3 with a 1.58 GAA and .941 save percentage. Matt Murray seems to be getting better each and every year, and could soon force the Penguins into an uncomfortable situation.
Matt made his NHL debut in 2015-16, appearing in four games with Pittsburgh, going 2-1-0 with a 1.72GAA and .938 save percentage. He continues to be one of the best netminders in the AHL, posting a 20-9-1 record so far, with a 2.10GAA and .931 save percentage.
9. Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus Blue Jackets (21 years old) 1994-04-28
Korpisalo is a tall and athletic goalie. Covers the net well and able to move smoothly laterally. Has played well and improved steadily in Finnish leagues, but his consistency on higher levels is yet to be tested. [Elite Prospects]
Korpisalo is extremely athletic with the prototypical size to be an NHL goaltender. He relies heavily on his strong legs to move smoothly on the ice and has great speed pipe to pipe. He is not afraid to move out of his crease. The only problem with his aggressive nature is that he has trouble differentiating between when to be aggressive and when to stay at home but that should improve with maturity and experience. Korpisalo has shown perseverance after some adversity and injuries and shows promise playing in Finland’s Liiga as a 20-year-old. [Hockey’s Future]
This 6’3 182lbs Finnish goaltender was selected 62nd overall (3rd round) in 2012. After spending the next three seasons in Finland, Korpisalo made a three game appearance with AHL Springfield towards the end of 2014-15. Playing full-time in 2015-16, Korpisalo began the year with AHL Lake Erie. He posted a record of 5-6-2 with a 2.34GAA and .918 save percentage before getting the call-up to Columbus. Playing fantastic during his NHL stint, Korpisalo is 11-7-2 with a 2.61GAA and .919 save percentage.
8. Louis Domingue, Arizona Coyotes (23 years old) 1992-03-06
Domingue is a big goalie and has the size and athleticism that is so often coveted in the crease. He plays a sound positional game and is able to make the majority of his saves look easy.
2014-15: Domingue made his NHL debut with the Coyotes in a relief appearance January 31st game against Ottawa and earned the win in his first NHL start the next night against Montreal. He appeared in seven NHL games in his third pro season after spending time in both the AHL and the ECHL. Domingue was 1-2-1 with a 2.73 goals against and .911 save percentage for Arizona. He was 11-6-1 with a 2.68 goals against and .908 save percentage in 20 regular season games for the AHL’s Portland Pirates. In five AHL playoff games he was 2-2 with 1 shutout and had a 2.37 goals against and .925 save percentage. He played two ECHL games for Gwinnett and was 1-1 with 1 shutout, posting a 1.01 goals against and .958 save percentage. Domingue was re-signed by Arizona to a one-year contract as a restricted free agent in September 2015. [Hockey’s Future]
He was selected 138th overall (5th round) in 2010 from QMJHL’s Quebec Ramparts. He spent two more seasons in junior before joining ECHL Gwinnett in 2012-13. He also saw a pair of games with AHL Portland. In 2013-14, Domingue only played seven ECHL games, playing the majority of the season with Portland. Much of the same in 2014-15, as Domingue played two games for Gwinnett, and another 20 with AHL Portland. He also appeared in seven games with Arizona last season, going 1-2-1 with a 2.73GAA and .911 save percentage in his NHL debut stint. Joining new AHL affiliate Springfield in 2015-16, Domingue went 6-6-1 with a 2.55GAA and .919 save percentage before getting the call-up to replace Mike Smith. He’s since appeared in 29 games for Arizona, going 12-13-3 with a 2.73GAA and .912 save percentage. Domingue also took him Rookie of the Month honors in January after a hot start. He’s since cooled, sparking rumors that Arizona is on the market to add a goalie.
7. Calvin Pickard, Colorado Avalanche (23 years old) 1992-04-15
Pickard is a technically-sound netminder. He uses his confidence and good goalie instincts to play a simple but smart game. He has shown in the past he is more than capable of being relied upon as a workhorse goalie.
Pickard continues to be the goalie-in-waiting in the Colorado system as Semyon Varlamov has handled the bulk of the starts for the Avalanche. Re-signed to a one-year contract as a restricted free agent in August, 2015, he has shuttled between the Avalanche and new AHL affiliate San Antonio in 2015-16. Pickard is close to being ready for regular NHL duty and had his first career NHL shutout in a game against New Jersey on January 14th. He has the ability to help steal games and make big saves to keep his team in the game. With veteran Reto Berra expected to return from an ankle injury soon Pickard could once again be returned to the AHL but he has shown that he is capable of playing at the NHL level. [Hockey’s Future]
the Avs 2nd rounder from 0000 is the younger brother of 1st round goaltending bust Chet Pickard – Chet is actually having a stellar season in Europe, with hopes of returning to North America.
Calvin has three full seasons of AHL experience and has shown improvement in each season. Last year with Lake Erie, he played 50 games piling up 23 wins with 2.61 GAA and .917 save percentage. He also appeared in 16 games with Colorado going 6-7-0 with 2.35 GAA and .932 save percentage.
The development continued into 2015-16. Pickard is splitting time between AHL San Antonio and Colorado. His AHL record is 9-8-4 with a 2.75GAA and .917 save percentage. His NHL record is 5-3-1 with a 2.68GAA and .917 save percentage. Calvin Pickard is now 11-10-4 with a 2.49GAA, .926 save percentage, and one shutout in his NHL career.
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6. Linus Ullmark, Buffalo Sabres (22 years old) 1993-07-31
A conservative, yet athletic, reactionary-type goalie who plays in a positional style most closely linked to the modern battle-fly. Doesn’t get rattled, doesn’t take risks, and gets the job done in pressure situations. Possesses very good rebound control. [Curtis Joe]
The former SHL Goalie of the Year is one of Sweden’s top young goaltenders, and is known for his tremendous poise. He is an athletic goalie with a big frame, but also uses his quickness and agility to his advantage. His rebound control is very good, in part due to his strong butterfly. [Hockey’s Future]
Ullmark is a 6’4 212lbs Swedish goaltender who was selected 163rd overall (6th round) in 2012. He spent the next three seasons in Sweden before making the jump to North America in 2015-16. He joined AHL Rochester to open the season, but quickly got a look at the NHL level after Robin Lehner went down. He went 7-10-0 with a 2.58GAA and .915 save percentage over 19 appearances with Buffalo. In Rochester, Ullmark is 6-7-0 with a 2.88GAA and .918 save percentage.
Next: 5-1
NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 20 Goaltenders Under 25 (5-1)
5. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning (21 years old) 1994-07-25
Vasilevskiy is a large and agile goaltender capable of making dramatic saves with his quickness and athleticism. Still developing in terms of the technical and tactical aspects of the position he appears to have relatively unlimited potential at this point. [Hockey’s Future]
Vasilevskiy was taken 19th overall at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from Ufa Salavat Yulayev of the KHL. He is arguably the best Russian goaltender the country has produced in recent history. He had solid seasons in the KHL, accompanied with some big performances on the international stage representing Russia at the World Juniors. Vasilevskiy made the jump to North America in 2014-15 appearing in 25 games with AHL Syracuse before getting the call up with Tampa Bay. He played 16 games during the regular season, and also made some playoff appearances. In 2015-16, Vasilevskiy began the year on the IR. He made his return around Christmas, but is struggling to see time in the crease with Ben Bishop having a Vezina-worthy season. In an attempt to keep Vasilevskiy fresh, GM Steve Yzerman is loaning him to Syracuse for as many starts as possible. For the time being, Tampa Bay has one of the most talented 1-2 tandems in the entire NHL, but the question remains, for how long?
4. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets (22 years old) 1993-05-19
Blue Line Station
2012 (NAHL): Top Goaltender
2013 (NCAA): Hockey East All-Tournament Team
2014 (NCAA): Hockey East All-Tournament/All-American Team
2015 (AHL): Nominated for AHL MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Goalie of the Year
2015 (IIHF World Championships): Best Goaltender (Media selection)
A 5th round steal in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Hellebuyck was selected from NAHL Odessa after winning 26 games with a 2.49 GAA and .930 save percentage.
The American-born goalie spent the next two seasons playing college hockey with H-East’s UMass-Lowell, putting up mind-boggling statistics. In his first year of pro hockey (2014-15), Hellebuyck played 58 games for AHL St.John’s, going 28-22-5 with 2.58 GAA and .921 save percentage.
He actually went on to start for Team USA at the World Championships last year leading them to a bronze medal, winning numerous tournament awards for his spectacular individual performance.
After a solid stint in Winnipeg replacing an injured Ondrej Pavelec, Hellebuyck was since demoted back to AHL Manitoba. Coach Paul Maurice says the move is temporary, suggesting a trade may be imminent for a Winnipeg goaltender.
3. Robin Lehner, Buffalo Sabres (24 years old) 1991-07-24
A hybrid butterfly goalie with excellent size and good overall skills, he uses his big frame to his advantage and challenges the shooters, although not always with the desired consistency. His rebound control needs work as does his concentration and positioning. He moves pretty well side to side and is tough to beat down low which are testaments to his conditioning and mobility. [Hockey’s Future]
Lehner was taken in the 2nd round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and for a long time was expected to be the future in goal for the Ottawa Senators. He spent parts of his first three seasons bouncing back and forth between Binghamton and Ottawa. He was finally brought in full-time with the Sens in 2013-14, but only played 36 games with 3.06 GAA and .913 save percentage. In 2014-15, Lehner played 25 games with 3.02 GAA and .905 save percentage – although it was the year of the goalie carousel, which featured a memorable performance by Andrew Hammond down the stretch.
To be fair, Ottawa never gave Robin Lehner a long enough look with the starter role. He was on a short leash and forced into goaltending situations that could destroy any young goalie’s confidence and psyche. Goaltenders are a delicate breed of player, and need to be handled carefully. Lehner was putting up incredible numbers until he was forced into that unfortunate situation. After being traded to Buffalo to last summer, Lehner went down with a long-term injury at the beginning of 2015-16. He’s since returned, playing extremely well, and looks poised to cement his name as the Sabres starter.
2. Petr Mrazek, Detroit Red Wings (24 years old) 1992-02-14
Mrazek is not the largest goaltender but he possesses a great deal of athleticism and does not give up on shots. He is a great competitor who also has great vision, which makes up for his lack of size. [Hockey’s Future]
Detroit is known for their excellent scouting department, and here is another example of hitting late in the draft. Mrazek was taken in the 5th round in 2010 from OHL’s Ottawa 67’s. After spending two and a half seasons with AHL Grand Rapids, he was given a longer look in 2014-15 due to injuries (virtually stealing Jimmy Howard‘s job while he was gone). In 29 games, Mrazek went 16-9-2 with 2.38 GAA and .918 save percentage. Currently Detroit is featuring both as one of the better tandems in the NHL, but will have decisions to make when Mrazek is due for a pay raise in the summer. Do the Red Wings try to retain both goaltenders or move forward with one? Howard is earning north of $5 million a year.
More puck prose: 2016 NHL Mock Draft 2.0
1. John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks (22 years old) 1993-07-14
Gibson is a mature goalie who displayed physical coordination and mental toughness at a young age. While he is not a dazzling athlete he has shown little if any major weaknesses in his game. Gibson is a complete goaltender and has been the USA’s goalie at the junior level and was with Team USA during the Sochi Olympic orientation camp. He has a calm and collected nature in high pressure situations. [Hockey’s Future]
Drafted in the 2nd round in 2011, John Gibson was a dominant force on the international stage for USA Hockey. He played his first full season of pro with AHL Norfolk in 2013-14 appearing in 45 games, getting 21 wins 2.34 GAA and .919 save percentage. He also made some impressive performances with Anaheim in the regular season and playoffs. In 2014-15, Gibson spent some time with Norfolk before appearing in 23 games for Anaheim, while gathering 13 wins 2.60 GAA and .914 save percentage.
Next: NHL Trade Deadline: 5 Questions Heading into Monday
As we know, 2015-16 was Gibson’s breakout season. Filling in for a struggling Anton Khudobin and injured Frederik Andersen, Gibson grabbed hold of the starter role, and hasn’t looked back. He was even part this year’s All-Star game festivities, and look poised to be a top goalie goaltender in the NHL for years to come.