{"id":462665,"date":"2025-02-20T08:45:51","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T13:45:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=462665"},"modified":"2025-02-19T23:52:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T04:52:30","slug":"ranking-top-hockey-countries-nhl-goaltending-depth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/02\/20\/ranking-top-hockey-countries-nhl-goaltending-depth\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking the Top Hockey Countries by their NHL Goaltending Depth"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the final of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off upon us, it got us thinking about one position in particular. For <\/span>Team Canada<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Team USA<\/span><\/a>, the goaltending is an apparent mismatch, but what about all the countries represented in the NHL? Today we present you with our ranking, by country, of best depth at the goaltending position in the NHL. Find out if there are any surprises or if the list is exactly how you’d think it would be designed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ranking the Top Countries by NHL Goaltending Depth<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before we get into any <\/span>kind of<\/span> ranking, we must first set out some ground rules.<\/span> Of course, there’s not a straightforward approach to this type of ranking, so that is why it is best if we explain our criteria. For starters, the goal was to focus on each countries’ NHL subset of goaltenders. For example, Russia definitely has some strong choices, but <\/span>a lot<\/span> of them would be playing in the KHL. Countries like Sweden and Finland would have similar situations. Now, that isn’t to say we are only considering goalies exclusively on their NHL careers, as we will factor NHL teams’ prospects and their future outlook into the equation as well. Next, we will also add some weight to the total body of work by goalies from each country. This will put quantity over quality to some degree, but this is the top league in the world, and we would be remiss if we didn’t factor that in. Finally, the most important differentiator will be elite-level talent. The who’s who, of who is in net. The best of the best, to decide who is the best in net. So, let’s get down to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drum Roll, Please,…Okay, First Up, the Honourable Mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n

Since we can’t include all countries in a fair ranking, let’s mention some of the goalies <\/span>from outside of<\/span> the rest of our top-six countries. One of the main goalies from <\/span>one of the other<\/span> set of countries represents Denmark, <\/span>Frederik Andersen<\/span><\/a>. Now, over the last few seasons, he has struggled with injuries. However, let’s not forget, this is a goalie who once upon a time played three consecutive seasons of 60 or more games with the <\/span>Toronto Maple Leafs<\/span><\/a>. Throughout his 12-year NHL career, he has a .916 SV% over 504 regular season games played. This is a country with a top NHL goaltender prospect as well in <\/span>Mads Sogaard<\/span><\/a> of the <\/span>Ottawa Senators organization<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a few other players worth noting, but it seems like Latvia is the most prominent country. Led by the emerging <\/span>Arturs Silovs<\/span><\/a> and the veteran <\/span>Elvis Merzlikins<\/span><\/a>, they are probably the main countries <\/span>when it comes to<\/span> completing the list. So, it is time, now the ranking of the top-six countries, <\/span>when it comes to<\/span> best NHL goalkeepers.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Team Czechia<\/span><\/h3>\n

Czechia is firmly on this list, make no mistake. <\/span>However, probably their only real <\/span>Achilles Heel<\/span><\/em> is their lack of depth<\/span>.<\/span> They <\/span>do<\/span> have the (at least near) elite variety if you consider <\/span>Lukas Dostal<\/span><\/a> of the <\/span>Anaheim Ducks<\/span><\/a>. Case in point, Dostal is in some pretty elite company ranking fourth in the entire NHL in <\/span>goals-saved-above-expected (GSAx) at 20.2<\/span><\/a>. Dostal would also carry over to the other categories for our rankings, <\/span>in terms of<\/span> prospects for the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

They have some depth too when you start <\/span>to consider<\/span> the likes of <\/span>Karel Vejmelka<\/span><\/a> and Dave Rittich. So overall, they are steady.<\/span><\/p>\n

The one area they are mostly lacking is veteran experience at this time. <\/span>Petr Mrazek<\/span><\/a> holds as the exception. He’s played 421 regular season games and his record is 178-173-40. Furthermore, <\/span>over the course of<\/span> his career, he has posted a .906 SV% and a 2.84 GAA with 25 shutouts.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Team Finland<\/span><\/h3>\n

Let’s be honest, Finland’s status on this list begins and ends in <\/span>Juuse Saros<\/span><\/a>. That’s not a knock by any stretch. However, they are a deep all-around country when you consider talented up-and-comers, such as Ukko Pekka Luukkonen. Finland has a tradition of producing elite goaltenders. The Nashville Predators continue <\/span>as<\/span> a strong ambassador of that fact after <\/span>Pekka Rinne<\/span><\/a> passed on the torch.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you <\/span>start to<\/span> think of goalies like <\/span>Leevi Merilainen<\/span><\/a>, who’s been awesome this season in Ottawa, they even possess a promising future. Finland is talented and <\/span>it<\/span> doesn’t look to be ending any time soon. Look for them to maintain their own standard of excellence at the goaltending position.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Team Canada<\/span><\/h3>\n

Okay, okay, don’t get your Beavertails twisted. Barring tonight’s outcome, despite the goaltending perhaps, Canada has proven to be the most elite on the planet. You know this <\/span>by<\/span> our <\/span>B Team<\/span><\/em>, which should be noted the Americans would also be <\/span>very<\/span> highly rated in that respect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Canada is <\/span>very strong<\/span> in <\/span>net<\/span>. Of the top 48, if we filter on <\/span>minimum<\/span> 20<\/span> games played this season in the NHL, there are 13 Canadians. With all countries represented such as Germany (<\/span>Philipp Grubauer<\/span><\/a>) and Bulgaria (<\/span>Alexandar Georgiev<\/span><\/a>), it’s no wonder Canada still stands among the best.<\/span><\/p>\n

One reason Canada <\/span>is<\/span> a strong overall ranking in this position is the sheer sample size. <\/span>Studying their 27 <\/span>goalies that are<\/span> active<\/span><\/a>, they have accumulated 5636 games played.<\/span> The next closest country is the United States with 19 goalies totaling 3648 games. <\/span>However, <\/span>this edge<\/span> Canada <\/span>has over other nations, it<\/span> doesn’t take advantage of effectively.<\/span> If you switch to sort by GAA, Russia, and the USA pull ahead, mind you not significantly. Russia leads at 2.64 and Canada is at 2.79.<\/span><\/p>\n

Searching for Why Canada Isn’t Ranking versus Countries in Goaltending Depth<\/span><\/h3>\n

The best way to describe Canada’s goaltending is a controversy. This is evidenced by the fan’s reaction to the selection of the squad ultimately. One legend of the sport that still represents Canada is <\/span>Marc-Andre Fleury<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>He ranks tied<\/span><\/a> with <\/span>Roberto Luongo<\/span><\/a> for second all-time in games played for a goaltender in NHL league history. At 40 years old, he is <\/span>currently<\/span> the oldest player in the NHL. In addition, his ability to win including three Stanley Cup championships, a Vezina, and a career that has spanned 21 seasons, he would’ve been an agreeable choice as a backup for the Team Canada. If the 2024-25 season is his last, it <\/span>certainly<\/span> was a memorable ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

So we started from the top for Canada. Continuing that trend is <\/span>Logan Thompson<\/span><\/a>, or the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals. In 31 games, his 26.8 GSAx is second in the NHL this season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another bright spot for Canada<\/span><\/a> is <\/span>Jordan Binnington<\/span><\/a>. He has a huge chip on his shoulder for Team Canada. Can he prove that he has matured? Will he <\/span>prove to<\/span> be a winner again tonight as he did behind an ultimate 2019 Stanley Cup St. Louis Blues defensive unit? <\/span>Alex Pietrangelo<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Colton Parayko<\/span><\/a> were huge contributors that season. What more motivation do you want? In 39 games played, Binner’s GSAx is 31st this year in the NHL on a mediocre Blues roster, although they’re not without their stars. Furthermore, he has a 2.89 GAA and a .897 SV%, good for a 15-19-4 record, with three shutouts this season for the Blues. His numbers are anything less than spectacular, and he will have to let his play dictate his status in helping <\/span>Canada’s<\/span> rank <\/span>going forward<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

One other potential bright spot for Canada is their prospects. <\/span>Devon Levi<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Sebastian Cossa<\/span><\/a> are a couple of prospects currently ranked as high as anyone. Who knows where the future of Canadian goaltending <\/span>progresses.<\/span> In addition, we can assume their country’s developmental system will progress. This is Canada and hockey, they’re going to identify the <\/span>problem,<\/span> and fix it.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Team Sweden<\/span><\/h3>\n

Team Sweden is very complete as well. They have a recent Vezina Trophy award winner, a legendary history, and at least one <\/span>very<\/span> good<\/span> prospect. One other interesting aspect is<\/span>, among<\/span> it all, they have depth. That is what makes Sweden strong internationally. <\/span>Henrik Lundqvist<\/span><\/a> carried the torch for a long time which culminated once upon a time into the 2006 Winter Olympic Gold Medal. The one goalie who comes to mind <\/span>that has<\/span> extended that legacy of longevity is <\/span>Jacob Markstrom<\/span><\/a>. He is a goalie who ranks sixth amongst active NHL goaltenders with 521 career games. <\/span>Furthermore<\/span>, the season he is currently having as a 35-year-old, is <\/span>really<\/span> cementing his standing as a great goalie in the NHL. Playing for the competitive <\/span>New Jersey Devils<\/span><\/a>, his 2.20 GAA, <\/span>along with<\/span> a .912 SV%, and three shutouts are a testament to that fact. Incredibly, he had nine shutouts only back in 2021-22 as a member of the <\/span>Calgary Flames<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

When<\/span> it comes to<\/span> discussing youth in the system<\/span>, <\/span>Jesper Wallstedt<\/span><\/a> is a mainstay<\/span>.<\/span> The 6’3″ Swede has been lights out at times in the AHL with the Iowa Wild. If it weren’t for <\/span>Filip Gustavsson<\/span><\/a> being a star in his own right for Minnesota, Wallstedt would be close to filling the spot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, led by their three goalies representing them at the 4 Nations tourney, Sweden is strong in goaltending. They will try what they can to stay where they are in the category, if not improve.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Team Russia<\/span><\/h3>\n

Well, we will point out Russia here is an amazing feat. <\/span>Alex Ovechkin<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Pavel Bure<\/span><\/a> have every right to be upset about missing out on this year’s tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n

Igor Shesterkin<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Ilya Sorokin<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Sergei Bobrovsky<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Pyotr Kochetkov<\/span><\/a> are just some examples <\/span>why<\/span> they round out our ranking criteria perfectly. <\/span>The<\/span> have depth, they have greatness or star power, and they have a pipeline. Who wouldn’t want to be <\/span>here.<\/span><\/p>\n

There may even be <\/span>debate<\/span> where<\/span> they compare to the USA.<\/span> However, as we see in the stat columns this year, the<\/span> USA is probably better. Studying GSAx, four Americans are ahead of the top Russian, <\/span>Andrei Vasilevskiy<\/span><\/a> with a nice 13.7 mark. Yes, the Russians are very good, but the Americans <\/span>do<\/span> seem slightly better. Moreover, Russia has lots of prospects coming too. With the likes of <\/span>Daniil Tarasov<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Ivan Fedotov<\/span><\/a> feeding that potential next wave, Russia is very complete.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Elite of Our Ranking Countries\u2019 Goaltending Depth<\/h3>\n

Well if the underlying theme of our topic was ultimately tonight’s game, <\/span>Connor Hellebuyck<\/span><\/a>, besides being the clear Team USA starter, a Vezina <\/span>favourite<\/span> right now, and so much more, is a big part of the reason Team USA wins this ranking. He’s an incredible 34-7-2 with six shutouts this year for the Winnipeg Jets. He leads the league in save percentage at .925 among goalies with more than 20 games played. Fellow countryman <\/span>Anthony Stolarz<\/span><\/a> is at .929, but with 18 games played on the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we continue <\/span>to go down through<\/span> the list of American goalies, it just keeps impressing. Jake <\/span>Oetter<\/span><\/em> Oettinger is one of the most talented goaltenders on the planet, playing for a Stanley Cup contender in the Dallas Stars. He has a .911 SV% and a 9.3 GSAx on the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, when it comes to prospects, bang, the Americans hit the nail on the head again. <\/span>Dustin Wolf<\/span><\/a> is as elite as they come. He is currently leading the charge for a Flames playoff appearance. More accurately, his numbers are outstanding. He is 19-11-3, with a 2.63 GAA and a .912 SV%.<\/span><\/p>\n

They also have much longevity as referenced previously. <\/span>John Gibson<\/span><\/a> and Hellebuyck <\/span>both<\/span> rank in the top 100 all-time for games played by a goalie. The states are elite, with veteran presence, and the prospect pool <\/span>to boot<\/span>. No wonder they are number one in <\/span>net<\/span>. Can they be number one overall, stay tuned to tonight’s epic matchup to find out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Main Photo Credits: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the final of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off upon us, it got us thinking about one position in particular. For Team Canada and Team USA, the goaltending is an apparent mismatch, but what about all the countries represented in the NHL? Today we present you with our ranking, by country, of best depth at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4222,"featured_media":462593,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,8091,4547,4548],"tags":[359,3746,3759,591,5726,1102,617],"class_list":["post-462665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-4-nations-face-off","category-hockey","category-nhl","tag-connor-hellebuyck","tag-dustin-wolf","tag-jordan-binnington","tag-team-canada","tag-team-finland","tag-team-sweden","tag-team-usa"],"modified_by":"Levi Pike, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/462665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4222"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=462665"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/462665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":462702,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/462665\/revisions\/462702"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/462593"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=462665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=462665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=462665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}