Introduction

Fantasy hockey success often hinges on the strength of your goaltending. With the 2025 NHL season approaching, it's crucial to understand the best goalie picks, draft strategies, and potential sleepers to give your team the edge.

Why Goalies Matter

In fantasy hockey, goalies are pivotal. They influence multiple categories, and a poor performance can significantly dent your chances of success. For instance, in ESPN's standard game, a goalie who stops 28 of 30 shots in a 4-2 win earns 5.6 points, while surrendering five goals on 31 shots in a 5-4 loss costs you -4.8 points.

ESPN Fantasy Hockey Default Scoring for Goaltenders:

• Wins = 4 points
• OT losses = 1 point
• Shutouts = 3 points
• Saves = 0.2 points
• Goals Against = -2 points

Draft Strategy

Securing a top-tier goalie early can provide a significant advantage. Connor Hellebuyck, for example, was a game-changer in 2024-25. However, if you miss out on the elite, there are still valuable options in the mid to late rounds.

Elite Goalies to Target

• Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning: With a projected 187.6 points, Vasilevskiy is in his prime and poised for another stellar season.
• Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets: The top fantasy netminder with a projected 253.4 points.

Top-Tier Goalies to Target

• Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars: A great goalie for a top team, projected at 204.0 points.
• Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers: With a new coach and improved roster, Shesterkin could finish top 5 in fantasy points.

Mid-Tier Goalies to Target

• Anthony Stolarz, Toronto Maple Leafs: If healthy, Stolarz could be a superb No. 2 fantasy netminder.
• Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators: A solid option with a projected 110.2 points.

Key Sleepers

• Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks: With John Gibson gone, Dostal has the chance to shine.
• Jet Greaves, Columbus Blue Jackets: Ready for his NHL closeup, Greaves could post better-than-anticipated numbers.

Late-Round Picks to Consider

• Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins: Refreshed and ready to bounce back, Swayman is a great late-round pick.
• Karel Vejmelka, Utah Mammoth: A solid option with a projected 64.6 points.

Conclusion

Drafting the right goalies is essential for fantasy hockey success. By targeting elite options early and finding value in the later rounds, you can build a strong foundation for your 2025 fantasy hockey team.

Additional Resources

• Fantasy Hockey Essentials: Position tiers, projections, and rankings.
• Mock Draft Lobby: Practice your draft strategy with ESPN's mock draft tool.

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