The Changing Landscape of Fantasy Goaltending

Over the past decade, we've witnessed a dramatic shift in fantasy hockey goaltending value. Where once netminders dominated the upper echelons of fantasy rankings, recent seasons have seen a significant decline in their overall impact - but signs point to a potential resurgence.

Historical Perspective:

• 2014-15 Season: 7 of top 10 fantasy players were goalies
• 2017-18 Season: 6 of top 10 were netminders
• 2019-20 Season: Major decline with only 2 top-10 goalies
• 2023-24 Season: Rock bottom with zero goalies in top 10

Current Season Trends

The 2024-25 campaign represents a slight rebound for fantasy goalies:

• A goaltender has reclaimed the #1 overall fantasy spot
• Two netminders projected to finish top-10 (matching 2019-20 numbers)
• Nine goalies likely to land in top 100 fantasy players

Key Factors Influencing Performance:

1. Timeshares: Increased crease splitting reduces individual value
2. Age Fluctuations: Top-10 goalie age dropped to 27.6 (2022-23) before rebounding to 30.3
3. Emerging Talent: New generation of young goalies developing

Team-by-Team Fantasy Outlook

Top Contenders:

• Winnipeg Jets: Connor Hellebuyck (#1 fantasy goalie) continues to dominate
• Tampa Bay Lightning: Andrei Vasilevskiy remains elite (#2 ranked)
• Minnesota Wild: Filip Gustavsson emerging as top-3 option

Rising Stars:

• Calgary Flames: Dustin Wolf (#10 among goalies) shows great promise
• Carolina Hurricanes: Pyotr Kochetkov ready for breakout season
• Montreal Canadiens: Sam Montembeault positioned for major improvement

Buy-Low Candidates:

• New York Rangers: Igor Shesterkin likely to rebound after "down" year
• New Jersey Devils: Jacob Markstrom with top-10 potential if healthy
• Los Angeles Kings: Darcy Kuemper proving age is just a number

Future Projections for 2025-26

We're likely seeing the beginning of a goaltending renaissance:

• Current sub-30 goalies will mature with more experience
• Several top prospects (Yaroslav Askarov, Jesper Wallstedt) near NHL-ready
• Improved defensive systems across league could boost goalie stats

Draft Strategy Recommendations:

1. Early Rounds: Target proven workhorses (Hellebuyck, Vasilevskiy)
2. Mid Rounds: Take shots on young talent (Wolf, Kochetkov)
3. Late Rounds: Consider high-upside backups on good teams

Pro Tip: Monitor playoff performances as they may significantly alter 2025-26 draft stocks for many goalies.