The NHL is transitioning toward a "trio" model for goaltending as the era of the 60-game starter vanishes. Daily Faceoff's 2026-27 rankings highliight a league where depth and stability now outweigh the reliance on a single superstar.
The end of the 60-start bellcow
The traditional image of the "workhorse" goaltender is disappearing from the professional game. According to Daily Faceoff, only one netminder managed to reach 60 starts last season, while even a premier talent like Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning logged just 58 starts. This shift is evidenced by the sheer volume of players seeing action; the report notes that 61 goalies played at least 20 games and 98 different netminders appeared in at least one game last year.
This trend reflects a broader strategic pivot across the league. The physical demands of the modern game have made the two-goalie tandem a necessity, but the current movement toward three-goalie rosters suggests that teams are now prioritizing insurance against injury over the continuity of a single starter.. For fans and analysts, this means evaluating a franchise's "stable" of puck-stoppers is now more critical than scouting a lone star.
Wedgewood's .914 save percentage and the backup paradox
The Colorado Avalanche provide a striking example of how backup performance can disrupt traditional hierarchies. Scott Wedgewood, a career backup, led the NHL in both save percentage and goals-against average last season, helping the Colorado Avalanche post a team save percentage of .914. Despite this, the Avalanche remain heavily invested in Mackenzie Blackwood, who is five years younger and has four seasons remaining on his contract.
A similar dynamic is playing out in Dallas,where Casey DeSmith outplayed Jake Oettinger on a per-start basis last season. While DeSmith graded out as one of the league's top performers, the Dallas Stars are unlikely to move away from Oettinger, who remains one of the most talented all-around goaltenders despite not yet hitting his projected ceiling. These scenarios highlight a growing tension in the NHL: the conflict between proven veteran efficiency and long-term contractual investments in "high-ceiling" talent.
Wallstedt's .915 save percentage and the Minnesota transition
The Minnesota Wild are currently entering a new era centered on Jesper Wallstedt. After a period of struggle in the AHL with the Iowa Wild, Wallstedt flourished last season, posting a .915 save percentage—the second-best mark in the NHL. Because Filip Gustavsson is recovering from offseason hip surgery, Wallstedt enters the 2026-27 season as the undisputed No. 1 for the Minnesota Wild.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning are attempting to stabilize the position behind Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning recently placed Jonas Johansson on waivers, signaling a move toward the "hulking" Hildeby. Although Hildeby is on a two-way contract, his performance suggests he can provide the above-average backup support that Vasilevskiy has lacked for several seasons.
The trade status of Connor Hellebuyck
One of the most significant voids in the current goaltending landscape is the situation in Winnipeg. Connor Hellebuyck has been excluded from the Winnipeg Jets' rankings because he is currently suspended and awaiting a trade. This creates a massive vacuum in the Jets' roster and a looming power shift in the league once a destination is finalized.
The source leaves several critical questions unanswered regarding this transition. Specifically, it remains unclear which teams are currently bidding for Hellebuyck or what the specific terms of his suspension entail. Furthermore, while the report details the rise of trios, it does not specify how teams plan to manage the salary cap implications of carrying three professional-grade netminders on active rosters.
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