As NHL training camps approach, let’s assess the goaltending depth of the seven Canadian teams heading into the 2024-25 season. We’ve ranked the teams based on the current strength of their goaltending position, highlighting the starter, backup, and top prospect for each organization.
1. Winnipeg Jets
Starter: Connor Hellebuyck
The Jets are solid in goal with superstar netminder Connor Hellebuyck leading the way. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has consistently performed at an elite level since entering the league, showing no signs of decline. Winnipeg can confidently rely on Hellebuyck to keep them in games night after night.
Backup: Eric Comrie & Kaapo Kahkonen
The Jets bolstered their backup position by signing Eric Comrie and Kaapo Kahkonen this summer, creating healthy competition for the role behind Hellebuyck. With Hellebuyck expected to start at least 60 games, Comrie and Kahkonen will compete for the remaining starts.
Top Prospect: Thomas Milic
Milic made the jump to the AHL last season after an impressive WHL career, where he was named Top Goaltender and Playoff MVP. He also shined on the international stage, helping Canada win gold at the 2023 World Junior Championships. Milic just needs more reps in the AHL before he’s ready to make the leap to the NHL.
2. Vancouver Canucks
Starter: Thatcher Demko
As the season nears, Demko’s status remains uncertain as he rehabs a knee injury. Despite this, Demko is a top tier netminder who has been a Vezina Trophy finalist and a two-time All-Star. He continues to improve and is a key player for the Canucks.
Backup: Arturs Silovs
At just 23 years old, Silovs has shown significant promise, especially when stepping in during Demko’s absence last season. His steady improvement and clutch performances provide Vancouver with confidence in their depth.
Top Prospect: Nikita Tolopilo
Tolopilo, a towering presence at 6’6″ and 230 lbs, exemplifies the modern NHL goalie prototype. After excelling in Sweden, he performed well in his first AHL stint with Abbotsford. He is likely to start the season backing up Silovs while Demko recovers.
3. Edmonton Oilers
Starter: Stuart Skinner
Often overshadowed by Edmonton’s offensive stars, Skinner is a high-caliber goaltender who was instrumental in the Oilers’ run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2024. He is a big, athletic netminder who sees a lot of action most nights.
Backup: Calvin Pickard
A seasoned journeyman, Pickard proved reliable in his backup role last season. His steady performance earned him a two-year contract with the Oilers this summer.
Top Prospect: Eemil Vinni
Selected in the recent draft, Vinni is a promising 18-year-old prospect. Known for his controlled play and elite edgework, Vinni is seen as a long-term project but has significant potential.
4. Ottawa Senators
Starter: Linus Ullmark
The Senators made a splash this offseason by acquiring Ullmark, the 2022-23 Vezina and Jennings Trophy winner. While there are questions about his ability to handle a full-time starter workload, his impressive stats speak for themselves.
Backup: Anton Forsberg
Forsberg had a challenging 2023-24 season, raising doubts about his long-term role. He remains capable of making key saves but will need to elevate his game and stay healthy to secure his spot.
Top Prospect: Mads Sogaard
Standing at 6’7″, Sogaard is an imposing figure who showed promise in the AHL last season. He has the potential to challenge Forsberg for the backup role behind Ullmark.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
Starter: Joseph Woll
Woll, at 6’4″, has shown potential when healthy, and with Ilya Samsonov gone, he is expected to take on a larger role this season. Despite Toronto’s challenging market for goaltenders, Woll has the upside to bring stability to the position.
Backup: Anthony Stolarz
Stolarz, coming off a Stanley Cup win with the Florida Panthers, will push Woll for playing time. At 6’6″ and 240 lbs, he’s one of the NHL’s biggest goaltenders and could share duties with Woll.
Top Prospect: Dennis Hildeby
The 6’7″ Hildeby impressed in his AHL rookie season, earning an All-Star Game appearance. He has the potential to earn an NHL call-up with a strong training camp.
6. Montreal Canadiens
Starter: Samuel Montembeault
Montembeault has had mixed results as Carey Price’s successor but has performed above expectations on a rebuilding team. Despite occasional inconsistencies, he has shown poise under pressure.
Backup: Cayden Primeau
Primeau has been up and down in his pro career but showed progress last season with a respectable .910 save percentage in the NHL. He combines sound technique with athleticism, capable of making spectacular saves.
Top Prospect: Jacob Fowler
Fowler had a standout freshman year at Boston College and helped Team USA win gold at the World Junior Championships. His explosive lateral movement and efficient play make him a promising future starter.
7. Calgary Flames
Starter: Dustin Wolf
Despite a tough season for the Flames, Wolf remains a highly talented goalie with the confidence and calm demeanor needed for the position. His smaller size (6’0″, 174 lbs) raises questions about his durability as a workhorse goalie.
Backup: Dan Vladar
Vladar enters the season as a question mark following inconsistent performances and off-season hip surgery. His size (6’5″) and athleticism give him potential, but he will need to regain form and stay healthy.
Top Prospect: Waltteri Ignatjew
A free agent signing this summer, Ignatjew is relatively unknown but has shown promise in Europe. At 6’4″, he brings size and presence, and his workhorse mentality makes him an intriguing prospect heading into camp.