The success of NHL teams this season will depend on goalies more than ever. It’s no secret that contending clubs have always relied on high-end netminders to carry them. There have been a few exceptions in recent history where top-flight goalies have not backstopped a Stanley Cup contender.
But this season, goalies will be more important than ever. The condensed schedule resulting from the Olympic break in February calls for a grueling schedule. There will be plenty of back-to-backs and three-games-in-four-nights. NHL teams will also play their fair share of four-games-in-seven-nights and weeks with little time off, especially for travel.
That situation promises to churn through goalies like no tomorrow. Teams will not be able to afford riding their starters. They’ll need at least a decent goalie tandem to carry them. But judging from experience, a tandem won’t be enough. Most teams will need three goalies to get through the season.
That’s why some teams have stocked up on NHL-level goalies. The Buffalo Sabres are a good example of that. The Sabres have four NHL-grade netminders in their depth chart. Of course, they’re not all Vezina Trophy candidates, but they can come through in a pinch.
Other clubs are tenuously trying to hang on to their third stringers because they know the importance of solid goaltending this season. Beyond the schedule, injuries also play a key role. That situation means that goaltending will be the most valuable commodity throughout the season.
NHL teams hanging onto goalies for dear life
The goalie market has been bone dry for most NHL teams. The only major goalie trade seen over the last few months was between the Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks at the 2025 NHL Draft.
Beyond John Gibson changing NHL teams, there haven’t been many notable trades. So, that situation means that any team wanting to pry a goalie away from other clubs will have to pay a premium. Contending teams know this. That’s why they have either dipped into the free agent market or have opted to ride the season on a wing and a prayer.
Don’t look now, but the goalie market could suddenly heat up as teams begin to fall out of contention. Plus, the schedule will really begin to take its toll around Christmas. December and January promise to be the most challenging months as teams head into the Olympic break.
Sure, the Olympics will give some NHL teams a chance to rest their players. But a handful of teams will see their best netminders go over to Milano-Cortina to compete for a coveted medal. That could put even more pressure on those clubs to find suitable support.
For instance, the St. Louis Blues will rely on Joel Hofer to carry the load for Jordan Binnington, who projects as Team Canada’s starter. Similarly, the Winnipeg Jets will depend on Eric Comrie to shoulder a fair amount of the load as Connor Hellebuyck leads Team USA.
Ultimately, October and November will likely present a tense calm. After that, the floodgates could open on a goalie market that has been seemingly waiting to burst wide open.