Travis Yost: Goaltending Platoon Quality More Crucial Than Ever

One of the most intriguing trends in modern NHL roster construction is the evolution of the goaltending position.

For decades, NHL teams pursued the ideal workhorse goaltender�those elite puck-stoppers who could play 60 or 70 games per season. Finding the next Patrick Roy, Dominik Hasek, or Martin Brodeur was a top priority, as these goaltenders often drove championship runs.

However, the landscape has shifted significantly. The influx of talent from Europe over the past 20 years has increased the supply of goaltenders. Additionally, teams have become more aware of the negative effects of high fatigue on performance and injury risk. With the salary cap in place, the volatility of goaltending has made it risky to commit large contracts to underperforming netminders. Consequently, teams are now investing more in forwards and other positions with more predictable returns.

Despite these changes, goaltending remains crucial. While teams like the Winnipeg Jets with Connor Hellebuyck still have elite starters, this is more the exception than the rule. Most teams are now focusing on their overall goaltending situation rather than just one starter.

The trend away from heavy starter usage and toward platoon systems is evident. In the 2023-24 season, only three goaltenders�Juuse Saros (Nashville), Alex Georgiev (Colorado), and Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg)�played over 60 games. For these teams, backup goaltenders still accounted for 25% of the total minutes. The majority of teams used some form of a weighted platoon.

This shift is reflected in the market, where 50 goaltenders signed new contracts or extensions since the end of the 2023-24 regular season. Teams are now prioritizing shorter-term contracts and a deeper developmental pipeline, rather than seeking a single standout goaltender.

Goaltending remains a critical component for success, and poor netminding can quickly derail a team's season. With backups playing significant minutes, having quality depth in the goaltending position is essential.

Ultimately, it's not about replacing quality with quantity but ensuring multiple capable goaltenders are available throughout the season. Consider this: the last four Stanley Cup winners�Tampa Bay, Colorado, Vegas, and Florida�used 14 different goaltenders to reach the summit.