Best NHL goalies heading into the 2023-2024 season

It’s often said that goalies that let nothing past them are “standing on their heads”. Even though this phrase isn’t meant literally, NHL fanbases love to call out their netminders when they play like impenetrable forces. We’ll take a look at the best goalies in the league heading into the 2023-2024 NHL season.

Even though many feel like Ullmark may not be the most talented goalie in the NHL, he did win the Vezina trophy last season. He was sensational during a record setting season for the Bruins, and is going to be the preferred option in goal again this season. That sounds obvious, but bears stating because Jeremy Swayman may be the best backup goaltender in league.

Some would make a case that Sorokin should have captured the Vezina last year over Ullmark, and it’s not a farfetched thought. The Islanders’ netminder put up fantastic numbers, and was one of the best players in the NHL at any position. The organization rewarded his stellar season with a handsome contract extension.

Shesterkin won the Vezina trophy two seasons ago, but came back to Earth a bit with his play a year ago. However, he played very well in the postseason last year, which could catapult a strong start to this regular season. Still in the prime of his career, Shesterkin is a nice value bet for those who are so inclined to peruse Vezina trophy odds.

His resume as a championship goalie speaks for itself, as Vasilevskiy has two Stanley Cup titles to his name. He’ll be remembered as one of the best netminders of the early 20^th century, but some feel like he hasn’t played his best in recent years. He may need a little more support from his Lightning teammates, but it’s hard to bet against him in a big game.

It’s fun for fans to talk about athletes who have performed spectacularly on below average teams, which Hellebuyck has in his career. However, there are rumors that his time in Winnipeg may be coming to an end, as the star goalie is the apple of contending teams’ eye. If a trade does materialize, it’ll be fun to see him compete in meaningful games this spring.

Saros is an interesting zig at a position that has seen the NHL largely zag on. The league has prioritized bigger-bodied goalies that have wingspan and take up the most space possible in the crease. By NHL standards, Saros is a smaller goalie, but has the athletic ability to pounce on shots that his counterparts may not be as nimble to reach.

Oettinger is a sleeper pick to rise up the goaltender ranks this season, as the 24 year old seems to have the full package. He’s been dominant at times, and will look to display a level of consistency that elevates his stock while boosting Dallas’ chances of winning a Stanley Cup. Oettinger figures to evolve with the bevy of young talent the Stars possess.

It might be easy to poke holes in Georgiev’s win-loss record, considering that he joined one of the best teams in the NHL in 2022. However, it’s difficult to overlook the poise that he played with on a team that won the Stanley Cup the year before his arrival. Some players might put a lot of pressure on themselves that ultimately hurts their performance, but Georgiev slid in seamlessly.