One other week with out a Tuesday recreation, and it is provided that we get a recreation seven between Edmonton and Florida that I might get to do one other recreation recap earlier than September, so this is hoping that the Oilers can get their heads again on straight.
*
In information from yesterday, we had Lane Hutson claiming the Calder Trophy, in what was a stacked 12 months for rookies. Hutson completed the 12 months with 66 factors in 82 video games, enjoying nearly 23 minutes an evening, and driving play exceptionally effectively, albeit in a little bit of a sheltered position. Perhaps now NHL groups will focus rather less on dimension, with Hutson, Michkov, and Wolf every coming in under common in top for his or her positions, and all ending as top-five rookies this previous 12 months.
And but, we’re nonetheless going to see groups attain for dimension within the draft three weeks from now…
*
Transferring onto some extra common fantasy dialogue, as we speak we’ll have a look at projecting participant motion within the offseason. It is troublesome in lots of circumstances, however in some circumstances it is worthwhile doing anyhow to attempt to get forward of participant worth fluctuations. With goaltenders, it is quite a bit simpler to seek out a few of these incoming modifications, because of the small variety of goalies per group, making it simpler to challenge how a group would possibly method filling out their roster for subsequent 12 months.
On prime of that, it’s totally uncommon that we see many goalies traded. Final season felt like an outlier with Scott Wedgewood, Mackenzie Blackwood, Vitek Vanecek, Alexandar Georgiev, and some different third-stringers traded after we already noticed Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper shopped round in the summertime.
This 12 months I count on issues to be a bit bit extra settled, partially attributable to a lot of the big-name starters being locked into contracts that span not less than another season, and a big majority of them at the moment aged 32 or youthful (i.e. proper in a goalie’s prime window).
I’ll run via the groups in reverse alphabetical order, partially simply to alter up the order from ordinary, but additionally as a result of it is a lot simpler to start out with Connor Hellebuyck than no matter goes to occur with John Gibson (so sure, he is all the way in which on the finish of the article… however perhaps not the final group).
Winnipeg Jets
Spring 2025 Tandem: Connor Hellebuyck, Eric Comrie
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Connor Hellebuyck, Eric Comrie
Hellebuyck nonetheless has six years left on his $8.5 million deal, and it has appeared like an absolute steal via the primary two years. He is 32 now and appears to have left behind his early-career inconsistencies. Eric Comrie is in an important spot to spell Hellebuyck when wanted, and I do count on the Jets to relaxation Hellebuyck extra this 12 months in anticipation of the post-season, that means Comrie might begin 25-30 video games as an alternative of final 12 months’s 20 complete appearances.
Washington Capitals
Spring 2025 Tandem: Logan Thompson, Charlie Lindgren
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Logan Thompson, Charlie Lindgren
Washington ought to be working again their identical duo from their top-of-the-table end within the Jap Convention, however the distinction is that this 12 months as an alternative of enjoying lower than $2 million for the pair, they’ll price the Capitals nearly $9 million in opposition to the cap. Even with the massive leap in pay, they need to nonetheless be definitely worth the cash.
Vegas Golden Knights
Spring 2025 Tandem: Adin Hill, Ilya Samsonov
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Adin Hill, Jake Allen, Akira Schmid
Hill was glorious in his 50 video games this previous season, whereas Samsonov struggled at occasions. Brining in Allen provides Vegas a extra dependable second choice in order that Hill would not should tire himself out, or rush again within the case of an harm. The opposite choice for Vegas, with them at all times trying to pinch each penny to usher in new star gamers, can be to present final 12 months’s third-stringer Schmid a chance on a really low-cost contract to start out 20-25 video games for the group after he put up strong numbers between the AHL and NHL this previous 12 months. This one is dependent upon how profitable they’re in spending on skaters.
Vancouver Canucks
Spring 2025 Tandem: Kevin Lankinen, Thatcher Demko, and Arturs Silovs
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Kevin Lankinen, Thatcher Demko, and Arturs Silovs
Till there may be some extra readability on Thatcher Demko‘s harm standing, then Vancouver goes to should preserve some additional depth on the place. Lankinen and the brand new contract will battle with impending 2026 UFA Demko for begins on the outset, with Silovs ready within the wings for an inevitable harm to one of many pair.
Taking a quick recess right here from the group run-through to notice that Rick Roos’ mailbag article is being pushed by per week, so in case your goalie state of affairs is as complicated as what the Canucks have, perhaps get rick to kind it out for you. To get your inquiries to him, personal message “rizzeedizzee” through the DobberHockey Boards or e-mail [email protected] with “Roos Mailbag” as the topic line. Nobody does a deeper dive in your questions than Rick, and now’s the time to get these keeper and draft questions in earlier than it is too late into the summer season.
Utah Mammoth
Spring 2025 Tandem: Karel Vejmelka, Connor Ingram
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Karel Vejmelka, Connor Ingram, and Jaxson Stauber
With Ingram’s standing unknown at this second in time after his second admittance into the Participant’s Help Program, the Mammoth appear like they are going to be leaning on Vejmelka and his new $4.75 million cap hit to shoulder a lot of the load. Stauber confirmed effectively in restricted alternatives this previous season and will make an inexpensive run as a backup if Ingram is not capable of play.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Spring 2025 Tandem: Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll
Established order right here, although there might be some storylines to look at, particularly round Stolarz having taken the lead within the playoffs, however then being knocked out of the collection with a concussion. Can he keep wholesome for the 12 months whereas sustaining his excessive stage of play? It is an vital query for him as he faces free company once more in 2026. Count on near a 50/50 workload between the 2 although.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Spring 2025 Tandem: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Jonas Johansson
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Jonas Johansson
One other occasion of establishment right here, and with each goalies signed for a number of extra years, do not count on something totally different than their ordinary 62/20 break up of video games. One observe on Johansson although, is I might like to understand how his agent milked a multi-year deal value $1.25 million yearly out of the Lightning for a goalie who has been one of many least dependable choices within the league for 2 straight years now.
St. Louis Blues
Spring 2025 Tandem: Jordan Binnington, Joel Hofer
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Jordan Binnington, Joel Hofer
The fascinating piece right here is Hofer’s present RFA standing, and what his cap quantity will say about what number of begins he can power himself into. The Blues have been glorious at growing goalies over the past decade, and one in all Binnington or Hofer possible strikes on within the subsequent two years. Within the meantime, extra of the identical subsequent 12 months with a 50/30 break up in favour of Binnington.
Seattle Kraken
Spring 2025 Tandem: Joey Daccord, Philipp Grubauer
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Joey Daccord, Alexandar Georgiev
He is the primary massive change of my projections (see, it was simpler to start out with the again finish of the alphabet), the place I count on Grubauer to be purchased out or traded by the Kraken. They may give a chance to Victor Ostman, however the extra possible choice sees them herald somebody like Georgiev to spell Daccord for 25 video games, or perhaps much more if a extra goalie-friendly setting helps Georgie regain a few of his kind from a number of years in the past.
San Jose Sharks
Spring 2025 Tandem: Yaroslav Askarov, Alexandar Georgiev
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Yaroslav Askarov, Philipp Grubauer
We did not have to attend lengthy to discover a house for Grubauer, who strikes down the coast to San Jose, offering some veteran insurance coverage with out being an enormous menace to steal the highlight from Askarov. Grubauer has spent the previous few seasons as a part of Daccord’s emergence, and he can present an analogous position for the Sharks who do not want him to win video games, and do not essentially care an excessive amount of about his cap hit. Askarov’s quantity this coming 12 months is a wild card, however I would not count on greater than 50 begins, and not less than 35 if he stays wholesome.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Spring 2025 Tandem: Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic
Each of those two had their ups and downs in 2024-25, however with their contracts locked in, and Jarry’s possible too costly to purchase out, they’re possible working again the identical tandem and hoping for higher outcomes. It doesn’t suggest they could not pivot with a demotion or a commerce mid-season, however I count on the Penguins to not less than break camp with Jarry and Ned subsequent 12 months; with the quantity possible favouring Jarry to start out.
Philadelphia Flyers
Spring 2025 Tandem: Samuel Ersson, Ivan Fedotov, Alexei Kolosov
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Samuel Ersson, Ivan Fedotov
Fedotov was a prized signee from Russia a number of seasons in the past, however he hasn’t but discovered his footing in Philly. In the meantime, Samuel Ersson ought to command nearly all of the workload after averaging 48 begins over the past two seasons. Nonetheless, Ersson does appear to tire by This autumn, the place his numbers take a drastic drop. If you are going to roster him this 12 months, then ensure he is offered off by the commerce deadline. Each goalies have one 12 months left on their present contracts, which makes for some remaining probabilities to make an affect right here earlier than modifications are made within the crease.
Ottawa Senators
Spring 2025 Tandem: Linus Ullmark, Anton Forsberg
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Linus Ullmark, Mads Sogaard/Leevi Merilainen
Merilainen’s sensational run mid-season when Ullmark and Forsberg each missed time with accidents has saved his foot within the door for the backup gig this 12 months. Sogaard has marinated for longer however has but to seek out sufficient consistency to carry the NHL job. Each will push for begins, and we might see both a camp battle or a number of mid-season swaps of the 2, however I am undecided the Senators will really feel the necessity to usher in one other goalie with Ullmark set to play in round 60 video games if he is wholesome.
New York Rangers
Spring 2025 Tandem: Igor Shesterkin, Jonathan Fast
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Igor Shesterkin, Jonathan Fast
Shesterkin’s new monster contract kicking in proper after he places up his worst statistical season of his profession is poor timing, however that does not imply we should always count on any change from Shesty beginning one other 55-60 video games. In the meantime, Fast might be turning 40 this season, and together with his numbers falling off final season, this coming 12 months might be his final. Dylan Garand may be in line to take over the backup gig mid-season if Fast actually struggles.
New York Islanders
Spring 2025 Tandem: Ilya Sorokin, Semyon Varlamov
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Ilya Sorokin, Semyon Varlamov
As has been the case the previous few seasons, the Russian duo of Sorokin and Varlamov will anchor the blue paint for the Isles. Varlamov’s harm state of affairs does throw a little bit of uncertainty into the fray, however there isn’t any want for rash strikes right here with two years nonetheless left on his deal and third-stringer Marcus Hogberg capable of be known as up in a pinch. Because the Islanders set out on a brand new course with rookie GM Matthew Darch, Sorokin will nonetheless be bringing his steadying presence for not less than 60 video games this 12 months.
New Jersey Devils
Spring 2025 Tandem: Jacob Markstrom, Jake Allen
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Jacob Markstrom, Nico Daws
With Allen testing free company, and Markstrom turning 36 this season, now’s the time for the Devils to seek out out what they’ve in teen Nico Daws. Daws is lastly on a one-way deal, and put up glorious numbers in six NHL appearances this previous season. He will not should be overworked both, as Markstrom has performed 60 video games a 12 months earlier than, but when Daws thrives then Markstrom may be saved across the 50-start bar the place he has been the previous couple years.
Nashville Predators
Spring 2025 Tandem: Juuse Saros, Justus Annunen
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Juuse Saros, Vitek Vanecek, Justus Annunen
Regardless of Annunen being on a one-way deal, it appears like he might be supplanted because the backup in Nashville, primarily simply because the group goes to wish to deliver some modifications after final season’s faceplant. Vanecek suits greatest right here as somebody with 1B upside, but additionally somebody who would possibly take a $900K deal proper now and you possibly can ship him down if the extent of play simply is not there. Saros will possible be again to the 60-start plateau once more, so whoever does find yourself within the backup job would solely want to start out round 20 video games.
Montreal Canadiens
Spring 2025 Tandem: Sam Montembeault, Jakub Dobes
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Sam Montembeault, Jakub Dobes
Dobes was a shock to see make the NHL so quickly together with his debut final 12 months, however after successful his first 4 begins, and exhibiting effectively the remainder of the 12 months, the backup job is his to lose this season. He does nonetheless want a brand new contract and Cayden Primeau is ready within the wings, so Dobes could lose most of his leverage, probably resulting in following via on an arbitration case. Within the meantime, we will pencil in Montembeault for an additional 60 begins this 12 months, behind a steadily bettering Montreal group.
Minnesota Wild
Spring 2025 Tandem: Filip Gustavsson, Marc-Andre Fleury
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Filip Gustavsson, Jesper Wallstedt, Anton Forsberg
Wallstedt will nonetheless solely be 22 years previous when the 2025-26 season will get underway, and with him being waivers-exempt, the sensible cash is probably going on the Wild bringing in a veteran backup and forcing Wallstedt to play his method onto the group. Anton Forsberg is smart for the Wild as a dependable choice who might play 20 video games behind Gus’ 60, however who additionally would not present an insurmountable roadblock for Wallstedt. Plus, he is Swedish, which provides a hyperlink with countryman Wallstedt, which can assist with the latter’s improvement.
Los Angeles Kings
Spring 2025 Tandem: Darcy Kuemper, David Rittich
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Darcy Kuemper, Ilya Samsonov
Bringing in a single former however lately maligned ex-Capitals goalie labored wonders final 12 months, and I believe their most suitable choice this summer season is perhaps to return to that effectively with the 28-year-old Samsonov. With Samsonov the Kings herald somebody who might maintain a heaver workload for the 35-year-old Kumeper if he struggles or is injured. He is additionally not too previous that he might assist bridge the hole from Kuemper to a number of the younger goalies if that is what they developmentally want within the medium time period. For 2025-26 although, Samsonov might deliver a strong 30 begins to fill in nearly completely for the opening that Rittich leaves.
Florida Panthers
Spring 2025 Tandem: Sergei Bobrovsky, Vitek Vanecek
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Sergei Bobrovsky, Dan Vladar
Coming off of their third-straight Cup Remaining look, the Cats will begin having to sit up for the post-Bobrovsky world, as Bob enters the 2025-26 season as a 37-year-old with a number of miles on him. Apart from John Gibson (who feels unrealistic), there aren’t actually any nice longer-term choices for Florida out there in the intervening time. Enter Vladar, as a 28-year-old who put up strong numbers in 30 begins final 12 months behind a less-reliable Flames group and would make for a worthy stop-gap choice on a less expensive contract as Florida exits the Bob period.
Edmonton Oilers
Spring 2025 Tandem: Stuart Skinner, Calvin Pickard
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Stuart Skinner, Calvin Pickard
The Oilers have another 12 months left on contracts for each goalies, and whereas they’ve had some consistency points, each have usually performed effectively for the group, and can be robust to beat on a efficiency/price ratio. There’s been chatter about John Gibson being a goal, and perhaps at 50% of his wage and as a cube roll to indicate Connor McDavid that the Oilers are critical, it might occur, nevertheless it would not appear possible now. The Oilers are more likely to run it again in web, and spend elsewhere; which is nice information for the 2 incumbents.
Detroit Purple Wings
Spring 2025 Tandem: Petr Mrazek, Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Petr Mrazek, Cam Talbot
Petr Mrazek was fairly strong for the Wings in his 5 appearances, placing up one of the best GAA and sv% of any Wings goalie final season. He possible will get nearly all of the begins subsequent season, bumping down the 38-year-old Talbot, and taking a big chunk of the worth. Detroit ought to be taking one other step ahead subsequent 12 months, which might see them as a playoff group, making Mrazek a a lot hotter commodity than he has been in years.
Dallas Stars
Spring 2025 Tandem: Jake Oettinger, Casey DeSmith
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Jake Oettinger, Casey DeSmith
Oettinger’s new contract is about the one query mark right here, questioning whether or not he’ll find yourself nearer to the $8 million benchmark from a number of the current signees like Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, or if he finally ends up breaking the eight-digit AAV barrier. It ought to be establishment in any other case.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Spring 2025 Tandem: Elvis Merzlikins, Daniil Tarasov, Jet Greaves
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: John Gibson, Jet Greaves
Now we get to the enjoyable stuff. Columbus wants a shake up in web, however they do not wish to financial institution on Greaves or Tarasov being prepared, and so they cannot run it again with Merzlikins once more. There’s nothing helpful on the FA pile, which implies they ship Merzlikins and a sweetener or two to the Geese for Gibson. Each gamers have two years left on their offers and want a change of surroundings. Gibson forces whoever the Jackets preserve as their backup into incomes their begins, whereas giving Columbus a presence within the crease they have not had in years. It is possible not the massive transfer to a contender that almost all Gibson house owners are hoping for, however I believe this could nonetheless be excellent news for him, each by way of quantity, and with Columbus a bit forward of Anaheim of their rebuild.
Colorado Avalanche
Spring 2025 Tandem: Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood
After fully revamping their goaltending in-season final fall, the Avs are a little bit of a boring group right here this time round. Blackwood has his new deal in place and ought to be one of many top-10 goalies off the board in redraft leagues this fall. A number of worth for him, and solely streamer worth for Wedgewood in his 20-25 begins.
Chicago Blackhawks
Spring 2025 Tandem: Spencer Knight, Laurent Brossoit, Arvid Soderblom
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Spencer Knight, Laurent Brossoit, Arvid Soderblom
At this level, and till confirmed in any other case, I’ll function below the belief that Brossoit is not going to be wholesome for the autumn. Meaning he lands on IR once more, and we see a 50/30 break up between Knight and Soderblom for the Blackhawks. There’s not a lot stress to start out transferring up the standings but, so do not count on too many wins no matter who’s beginning. A number of future worth with Knight, however mood expectations at this level.
Carolina Hurricanes
Spring 2025 Tandem: Frederik Andersen, Pyotr Kochetkov
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Frederik Andersen, Pyotr Kochetkov
One other easy one right here, with Freddie re-upped and Kochetkov nonetheless locked in because the inheritor. The break up of quantity goes to rely extra on well being than efficiency or the rest. Whereas finally the Canes are going to should transition away from Freddie, for the second, each are nonetheless very worthwhile fantasy goalies.
Calgary Flames
Spring 2025 Tandem: Dustin Wolf, Dan Vladar
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Dustin Wolf, Alex Lyon
Dustin Wolf is perhaps one of the best younger goalie within the recreation proper now, incomes Calder Trophy consideration final 12 months, and taking up the crease for the Flames at 23 years previous. He performed 53 video games final 12 months, and his numbers dropped in each successive quarter, that means getting Wolf some relaxation might be vital in preserving his stage of play excessive. Enter Alex Lyon, who had a profitable, albeit injury-plagued season with the Purple Wings, and of the out there goaltending choices in the marketplace, can maintain his personal as a 1B starter with out being too good to actually create any sort of goalie controversy.
Need to discover the subsequent star goalie? Remember in regards to the 19th annual Fantasy Prospects Report! Decide up yours at Dobber Sports activities as we speak so as to get forward of your offseason keeper league choices, and ensure you’re stashing the suitable gamers for some long-term payoff.
Buffalo Sabres
Spring 2025 Tandem: James Reimer, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Devon Levi
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Devon Levi
At 37 years previous and after placing up a save proportion under .900 in 24 appearances final 12 months, this can be the final we see of James Reimer. The Sabres appear like they need to be prepared to maneuver ahead with Luukkonen and Levi as their tandem, and so long as Luukkonen is wholesome, he ought to be beginning 55+ video games. The Sabres can see if the 23-year-old Levi is now able to deal with 30 video games because the backup goalie, and if not, then the group should not have any points signing one of many goalies nonetheless floating within the free agent market, and even grabbing somebody like Reimer off waivers as they did final fall.
Boston Bruins
Spring 2025 Tandem: Jeremy Swayman, Joonas Korpisalo
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Jeremy Swayman, Joonas Korpisalo
Nothing to alter right here, with the massive cash already allotted to Swayman, and Korpisalo locked in because the backup primarily based on his expertise stage becoming squarely there, and his contract guaranteeing he would not transfer wherever. Swayman ought to see near 60 video games once more, with Korpisalo protecting off the opposite 20-25. Korpisalo’s numbers had been a smidge higher final 12 months, however do not count on that to carry, as not less than Swayman’s peripherals ought to enhance, even when the win totals do not.
Anaheim Geese
Spring 2025 Tandem: Lukas Dostal, John Gibson
Projected Fall 2025 Tandem: Lukas Dostal, Elvis Merzlikins
As famous within the Columbus part, I see the Geese and Jackets swapping massive cash goalies. What it does for the Geese is it locks in Dostal because the starter, saves them a bit little bit of cap area (or simply money on the whole) as they begin to spend extra, and so they can add an additional asset as they might be giving up the higher goalie. Nonetheless, the downgrade for the Geese by transferring out 40 video games of Gibson and giving 20 to Merzlikins whereas Dostal covers Gibson’s different 20 video games to present him 60 in complete, will not be a lot of a downgrade on the ice. If the Geese can transfer out Gibson, then Dostal jumps into the dialog as a top-10 goalie subsequent 12 months.
Now, we’re via 32 groups and there are nonetheless a few leftovers, with Daniil Tarasov and David Rittich nonetheless in search of houses. I count on them to seek out contracts, nevertheless it will not be as a lock for a top-two spot on any group. Extra possible, they will find yourself ready till there’s an harm or a really poor stretch of play, and one other group will get determined for a filler. Tarasov nonetheless has some upside, however his runway is working out, whereas Rittich can maintain his personal as a veteran backup, however there’s solely so many spots and all the opposite choices have higher suits elsewhere.
*
See you subsequent Wednesday, and when you have any fantasy hockey questions or feedback you will discover me on BlueSky @alexdmaclean, as that’s now my main platform.
