Last season, several goalies proved they belong in the discussion for top-five netminders in the NHL. Logan Thompson emerged as a standout, showcasing elite skills even as the Capitals missed the playoffs. Meanwhile, Igor Shesterkin delivered impressive performances despite facing a struggling New York defense. Here are the top five goalies in the NHL as we approach the 2026-27 season.
Apr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) follows the play against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
If it weren’t for these other top goalies, Thompson has a really good case to be in the top three. Thompson led the NHL in goals saved above expected. He was dominant, but his team in front could not do enough to get into the playoffs.
Ilya Sorokin has established himself as one of the premier goalies in the league, and what truly distinguishes him is his remarkable achievement of 26 shutouts in 286 games over the past five seasons, the highest total in the NHL during that period.
Mar 28, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) looks on during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Connor Hellebuyck has held a .920 SV% in each of the last three seasons before his down season in 2025. The Jets were not a good hockey team this year, and even their best player, Hellebuyck, struggled with a .895 SV%. He is still viewed as one of the best because of his consistency, and he can play seasons in bulk. In his career, he has multiple seasons of 60 games plus.
Andrei Vasilevskiy posted his back-to-back strong seasons for the Lightning. Nearly 40 wins in both of those seasons and recorded 8 shutouts over the past two seasons. His goals-against average went up this season, and his save percentage dropped 9 points, but he is still one of the best and makes saves look impossible.
NY Rangers
Apr 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin (31) warms up before the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Igor Shesterkin signed the biggest contract in NHL history for goalies, and the Rangers gave him that because of the numbers he put up. Last season, Shesterkin won 25 games for the Rangers, adding one shutout through 51 games. He also posted a .912 save percentage, which was tied for third in the league. New York’s defense did not favor Shesterkin, as the team defense finished with a 79.9% PK and allowed the 15th most goals.
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