The National Hockey League (NHL) is home to some of the most elite goaltenders in the world. With every season, the debate over who holds the title of the best goalie intensifies as stats, performances, and clutch saves stack up. Goaltending is more critical than ever in the modern NHL, where tight defenses and lightning-fast offenses collide. So, who stands at the very top of the NHL’s goaltending mountain today?
TLDR: Best Goalie in the NHL Right Now
Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers is currently considered the best goalie in the NHL due to his elite save percentage, consistency, and ability to carry his team. However, other top contenders like Andrei Vasilevskiy and Connor Hellebuyck make strong cases with their own incredible performances. Determining the “best” often comes down to preference and current season stats. But right now, Shesterkin leads the pack in every major goaltending metric.
Why Goaltending Matters More Than Ever
In the modern NHL, a goalie can make or break a team’s season. As offenses get faster and more strategic, a reliable goaltender becomes a cornerstone of any playoff-bound franchise. A top-tier goalie can mask defensive weaknesses, steal games outright, and provide the kind of stability coaches and fans dream of.
Great goalies don’t just stop pucks—they influence games. This impact is perhaps most visible in the postseason, where a hot goalie can take an underdog team deep into the playoffs. Their importance goes beyond stats, bleeding into morale, confidence, and even team strategy.
The Top Contenders for the NHL’s Best Goalie
Several elite netminders have laid claim to the title of the NHL’s best. Let’s take a look at the leading candidates of the 2023–2024 season.
- Igor Shesterkin – New York Rangers
- Andrei Vasilevskiy – Tampa Bay Lightning
- Connor Hellebuyck – Winnipeg Jets
- Juuse Saros – Nashville Predators
- Jake Oettinger – Dallas Stars
Igor Shesterkin: Taking the Throne
Shesterkin has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as arguably the NHL’s top goalie. His 2021–2022 season was nothing short of historic, earning him the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender. Even more impressive, his consistency has continued into subsequent seasons.
He’s known for his lightning-fast reflexes, excellent puck tracking, and an unshakable mental approach. His ability to read plays in real-time allows him to be one step ahead of NHL scorers. The Rangers lean heavily on Shesterkin—and he rarely lets them down.
Statistically, Shesterkin often hovers above a .920 save percentage, with goals-against averages consistently under 2.50. These elite numbers showcase just how dominant he is in the modern era of high-scoring games.
Andrei Vasilevskiy: The Dominant Force
No discussion of the NHL’s best goalie is complete without including Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Tampa Bay Lightning netminder has been a rock in net for years, helping his team win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.
Vasilevskiy stands out not just for his physical size, but for his remarkable agility and resilience under pressure. He regularly faces high shot volumes and makes game-saving stops look routine. Perhaps more than any other current goalie, Vasilevskiy is trusted to carry the weight of a championship-caliber team.
He’s also known for his playoff performances. With multiple shutouts in series-clinching games, he’s considered one of the best big-game goalies of this generation. While Shesterkin may edge him in regular season stats, Vasilevskiy’s postseason résumé is unparalleled.
Connor Hellebuyck: The Workhorse
Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets might not receive as much media attention as coastal goalies, but his impact cannot be understated. He continually ranks among the league leaders in saves, time on ice, and starts. He’s a dependable presence in net who gives his team a chance to win every night.
Image not found in postmetaThanks to his calm demeanor and technical style, Hellebuyck rarely finds himself out of position. His ability to maintain composure during high shot volumes makes him critical for a team that can be defensively inconsistent.
Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy in 2020 and has been in the conversation almost every year since then. His workload and performance make him a dark horse candidate for best goalie honors.
Underrated Talents to Watch
While the spotlight usually falls on a few standout names, several other goaltenders are making waves and could stake claim to the title in coming seasons.
- Juuse Saros – Despite his smaller stature, Saros is known for his athleticism and excellent lateral movement. He’s a game-changer for the Predators.
- Jake Oettinger – A rising star with the Dallas Stars, Oettinger has proven himself capable in clutch situations, particularly in the postseason.
- Ilya Sorokin – Another Russian standout, Sorokin is steadily building a case for being a top-tier NHL goaltender with the Islanders.
The Future of NHL Goaltending
Goaltending is evolving. Today’s goalies are more athletic, technically sound, and mentally prepared than those of yesteryear. The pipeline of young talent is rich, and several prospects are expected to emerge as generational talents in the coming years.
Training methods, video analysis, and nutrition have all contributed to the rise of a new goaltending era. Players like Shesterkin and Oettinger are not just great; they’re redefining the position entirely.
So, Who Is the Best?
While there’s no unanimous pick, most experts and analysts lean toward Igor Shesterkin as the current king of NHL goaltenders. His mix of stats, poise, and impact for the Rangers makes him the ideal blend of consistency and brilliance.
However, depending on what you value—postseason success, technical ability, or workload—other goalies like Vasilevskiy or Hellebuyck might be your top pick. It all comes down to preference and what moment in time you’re evaluating.
Conclusion
The NHL has never been richer in elite goaltending talent. From veterans like Vasilevskiy to ascendents like Shesterkin, there is no shortage of drama or excellence coming from the crease. As we move deeper into the season, the race for goaltending supremacy remains as wide open and fierce as ever.
FAQs About the Best NHL Goalie
-
Who is statistically the best goalie in the NHL right now?
Igor Shesterkin currently leads most major goaltending metrics, including save percentage and goals saved above expected. -
Who has the best playoff record among goalies?
Andrei Vasilevskiy is widely considered the best playoff performer, with two Stanley Cups and numerous series-clinching shutouts. -
Which goalie is most consistent season over season?
Connor Hellebuyck is known for his durability and consistency over multiple NHL seasons. -
Are there any young goalies to watch?
Yes, Jake Oettinger and Ilya Sorokin are making waves and gaining recognition as future elite goaltenders. -
How is goalie performance measured?
Goalie performance is measured using stats like save percentage, goals-against average, shutouts, and advanced metrics like goals saved above expected.