{"id":448483,"date":"2024-08-19T08:30:32","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T12:30:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=448483"},"modified":"2024-08-18T20:41:38","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T00:41:38","slug":"top-ten-team-canada-goalies-picks-right-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/08\/19\/top-ten-team-canada-goalies-picks-right-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Top-Ten Team Canada Goalies Picks Right Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

We have made it to the goalies, the last line of defence, and the end of our review of the best Team Canada offers at each position. Thus far we have studied <\/span>defencemen<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>wingers<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>centres<\/span><\/a>, and now it is time to move to the position with the most fluctuation. Goalies are definitely the most difficult position to rank in a top-ten setting. There’s not such a clear picture of those at the top, and throughout there’s plenty of room for debate. <\/span>However, through <\/span>some<\/span> in-depth discussions and <\/span>analyzing<\/span> statistics, we have come up with our best stab at the <\/span>top-ten<\/span> goalies for Team Canada as <\/span>it<\/span> sits<\/span> today.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Top-Ten Team Canada Goalies<\/span><\/h2>\n

One aspect about Canadian goalies is that they may have fallen out of the league’s elite <\/span>over the recent past<\/span>. However, one point to consider is their pedigree. Many recent teams wouldn’t have Stanley Cup Championships if it weren’t for Canadian goalies stepping up big-time when it counts the most. The list of the notables includes Darcy Kuemper<\/a>, Jordan Binnington<\/a>, or the revolving door that was the 2023 <\/span>Vegas Golden Knights<\/span><\/a> goaltending situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a note, for selecting a Team Canada, such as in the <\/span>2025 4 Nations Face-Off<\/span><\/a> in the spring, it isn’t as easy as <\/span>selecting<\/span> the top three from our list. Factors such as veteran presence or differences in playing style will matter. Also, this list, as did our others, weight past performances too, therefore, Team Canada will likely be selected from a hot hand among its three goaltenders. So, it could easily be two of the top three or four, but then one more selection from further down the list. In any sense, without further ado, we give you our selection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adin Hill<\/a> and the Best of the Current Team Canada Players in Goal<\/span><\/h3>\n

Right from the get-go, we introduce controversy to our list. It is somewhat the lack of systematic goaltender development that results in fewer Canadian goalies being considered in the discussion of qualifying as elite. However, one thing the Vancouver Island native brings is the ultimate intangible, a Stanley Cup Championship. Moreover, his body of work at the NHL level is quite impressive, despite not always playing on very quality teams. In 136 career games, he had a 64-51-8 record with seven career shutouts. Also, he sports a 2.68 GAA and a .910 SV%. <\/span>Furthermore<\/span>, it <\/span>really<\/span> is the playoffs where he has taken it to another level. There his career record is 12-6 with a sensational .932 SV%. Hill has shown to be very consistent and a winner. <\/span>He<\/span> seems like a safe bet as a selection to the Team Canada roster <\/span>as a result<\/span>.<\/span> Perhaps it is a by-product of a lack of true competition, regardless, today Adin Hill<\/a> tops our list.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Jordan Binnington<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n

We quickly referenced him already, and similar to number one on our list, he’s a winner. In 2019, as an NHL rookie, Jordan Binnington backstopped the <\/span>St. Louis Blues<\/span><\/a> to a Stanley Cup title. Furthermore, in his rookie season, he went 24-5-1 with a 1.89 GAA and a .927 SV%, <\/span>simply<\/span> amazing stats. Now, at 31, he is right around that ideal age of peak goaltending performance, given the combination of experience and still being able to perform at a high level. Also, you would think he has calmed down and got his emotions in check at some level <\/span>at this point of<\/span> his maturation process. His career numbers are solid, in 280 games played, he has a 145-94-31 record with 15 shutouts. Also, he has a nice 2.79 GAA with a .908 SV%. In four of his NHL six seasons, he has posted <\/span>a SV%<\/span> of .910 or better, including 2023-24 at .913. There have been many questions throughout his career about his temperament, as well as consistency in the pipes. These are the main reasons he’s not atop our list. However, he still deserves a high standing, and few would be surprised if he makes a Team Canada <\/span>in the near future<\/span>. Something that stands out from <\/span>Binnington’s play <\/span>are<\/span> his analytics<\/span><\/a>. Fifth in the league with a goals saved above expected of 16.5 (ahead of Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a>) will do that for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Logan Thompson<\/a><\/h3>\n

Logan Thompson<\/a> is one of the best Canadian goalkeepers right now, and deserves to be at number three. He is one of the most talented goalies on this list, and he’s a winner. Injury did cost the Calgary native any game time during the 2023 cup run, but his regular season play helped establish an already deep the Vegas Golden Knights as a dominant NHL franchise that season. In total, his regular season stats are excellent from his time with Vegas. His record is 56-32-11, to go along with four shutouts. Furthermore, he has a 2.67 GAA and .912 SV%. Thompson is a terrific goaltender, and now gets to showcase his skills in D.C. Will he be able to have a strong season for the Washington Capitals? Either way, he resume for now, speaks for itself, and is very likely a candidate as a Team Canada goaltender.<\/p>\n

Vegas Golden Knights Goaltender Out Week-to-Week<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n