NHL Teams Embrace Shared Goaltending Strategy for Upcoming Season

As the NHL gears up for the new season, teams are increasingly adopting a shared goaltending strategy, a shift that could redefine how franchises manage their netminders. The Vegas Golden Knights are at the forefront of this trend, with their management expressing confidence in their dual-goalie setup featuring Adin Hill and Carter Hart.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon shared his optimism, stating, “I feel really good about our goaltending with Adin Hill and Carter Hart.” Last season, the Golden Knights relied on a rotation of goalies, with Akira Schmid starting 29 games, Hill 27, and Hart 18. With the league expanding the schedule from 82 to 84 games, it’s anticipated that more teams, including Florida, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, will follow suit in utilizing multiple goalies.

Despite speculation that Hill might be on the trading block after losing his position to Hart, the Golden Knights opted to retain him. Hill, who has five years remaining on a $6.25 million contract, was instrumental in the team’s Stanley Cup victory in 2023, stepping up during the playoffs after coming off the bench. McCrimmon is hopeful for a rebound season for Hill, who struggled with a career-low .870 save percentage and a 3.04 goals-against average last season. “I think Adin is going to bounce back,” McCrimmon asserted.

Carter Hart also faced his share of challenges in the previous season, having been sidelined until December due to his involvement in a sexual-assault case. However, he returned to form, finishing the regular season strong with a 6-0 record and a 1.67 GAA. Despite his struggles in the Stanley Cup Final, where he became the first goalie to allow four goals in each of his first five games, Hart’s performance earlier in the playoffs showcased his potential.

As the Golden Knights look to balance their goaltender usage, the responsibility falls on head coach Ryan Craig and goalies coach Sean Burke. They are also monitoring Carl Lindbolm, who is developing in the American Hockey League. McCrimmon noted the importance of having a third goalie ready, emphasizing the unpredictability of injuries in the league.

Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are making significant changes to their goaltending lineup. With Sergei Bobrovsky departing for Toronto on a three-year, $21 million deal, the Panthers acquired Jacob Markstrom from New Jersey and Schmid from Vegas. General manager Bill Zito expressed enthusiasm for Schmid, highlighting his potential, while also praising Markstrom’s experience and skill set.

In New Jersey, new GM Sunny Mehta is optimistic about giving 25-year-old Nico Daws a chance to serve as the 1B goalie alongside veteran Jake Allen. Mehta believes Daws has the opportunity to thrive in this new role, while Allen’s proven track record provides a solid foundation.

Dan Vladar is set to lead the Flyers’ goaltending efforts after a breakout season and a recent five-year, $27.5 million extension. Recognizing the demands of the upcoming seasons, Vladar noted the importance of having multiple reliable goalies. “I’m pretty sure that we are going to have great chemistry,” he stated, acknowledging the need for depth in net.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.