The NHL is filled with talent. Young talent. Regardless of their path to get here, they are here and ready to make an impact. Some of the youngsters have already made an impact while others are waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Young players have to be patient as their time may be a few years down the road. In rare cases, others step onto NHL ice and immediately make their presence known.
Five young NHL goaltenders provide youth, spark to their respective teams
One of the hardest positions to make an impact quickly is that of the goaltender. Goaltenders generally take a while to develop and some may take a few years in the AHL developing before taking the big step. Goaltender Patrick Roy was not an instant hit on the ice but he won four Stanley Cups before his career was over.
Dominik Hasek was “just another goalie” until he developed into arguably the greatest goaltender to ever play the game. Mike Vernon was not an elite goaltender but he was consistent and won two Stanley Cups.
Goalies take time to develop as some are fresh out of juniors and others may be making their North American debut. A rare few come into the NHL and put the league on notice. Even fewer come into the league and are consistent and remain that way at such a young age.
Roy had a winning record in the NHL in only his second (and first full) NHL season at age 20 and did not have a losing record until the 2014-2015 season, 10 years of winning before he hit a snag. Five goaltenders are in the league now that are either in the upper tier or are fully capable of leading their respective teams to wins.
There is a lot of young talent on the ice as far as forwards and defensemen are concerned. However, when was the last time someone looked at the young talent between the pipes? We are in for some good hockey from these young goaltenders for many years to come.