In recent years, the NHL has seen a rise in the number of goalies getting playing time. Last season, a total of 98 goalies saw action, averaging about 3.06 goalies per team. The year prior, this number was even higher at 107, with an average of 3.34 goalies per team. The trend of having a designated No. 1 goalie who plays most games is fading away as teams adopt a tandem approach, providing more opportunities for different goalies to start.
As training camps kick off, teams are facing competition in the crease. The battles for goaltending positions are no longer solely about who will be the starting goalie. With teams shifting towards a tandem system, even the backup and third-string goalies play crucial roles. Which goalie duos will have the most tightly contested races as they hit the ice? Where will new goalies have the biggest chance to make an impact?
Here are six goalie duos to keep an eye on as training camps and preseason games get underway.
The Detroit Red Wings are facing some uncertainty in net. Ville Husso, despite struggling with injuries last season, has shown promise. His numbers indicate he has the potential to be the team’s top goalie. However, with Steve Yzerman preferring only two goalies on the roster, the competition between Alex Lyon and Jack Campbell intensifies. Both Lyon and Campbell have talent and will be aiming to impress during camp. Observing how the Red Wings handle their goalies in the preseason will be intriguing.
Over in Chicago, Petr Mrázek is set to return following a strong season. However, a knee injury to newcomer Laurent Brossoit has shifted the focus. Brossoit’s absence opens the door for Arvid Söderblom and Drew Commesso to make their case for playing time. Söderblom struggled last season, paving the way for Commesso to potentially seize the opportunity. While the Blackhawks are still rebuilding, Commesso has a chance to solidify himself as a key piece for the future.
In Calgary, the departure of veteran Jacob Markström has paved the way for Dustin Wolf to make his mark. Considered one of the top goalie prospects, Wolf is seen as the future for the Flames. However, with Dan Vladar still in the mix as a reliable backup, the question remains: how will the starts be split between the two goalies? Wolf has a chance to prove himself in camp and preseason, potentially securing the No. 1 spot. If he needs more time to adjust to the NHL, Vladar could take on a larger role while Wolf continues to develop.
The goalie battles across the league are heating up as teams look to solidify their crease heading into the new season. With more goalies than ever vying for playing time, the competition is fierce as each netminder aims to prove they deserve to be the go-to goalie for their team. Watch closely as these goalie duos battle it out in training camp and preseason action.
