Five young NHL goalies who could explode onto big stage in 2025-26

The 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up to showcase a new wave of goaltending talent. With teams emphasizing youth in net, several promising netminders are expected to make their mark. Last season, only Calgary Flames’ Dustin Wolf broke into a consistent NHL role, but this year, multiple teams are betting on younger goalies to carry the crease and make significant impacts.

Rising NHL goalies set to make their mark in 2025-26

Yaroslav Askarov – San Jose SharksYaroslav Askarov has been a highly-touted prospect since being drafted 11th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2020. Standing at 6-foot-3 with remarkable agility, Askarov’s move to the San Jose Sharks positions him for a potential breakout. He is expected to split time with Alex Nedeljkovic, allowing him to gain valuable NHL experience. The challenge will be managing a defensively young Sharks roster, testing his readiness for full-time NHL action.Jesper Wallstedt – Minnesota WildJesper Wallstedt faced an uneven 2024-25 season, recording a .879 save percentage across 27 AHL games due to injuries and inconsistency. With Marc-Andre Fleury retiring, Wallstedt is set to assume a larger role in Minnesota. While the Wild may ease him into the starting role, structured play could help him regain the form that made him one of the league’s most promising young goalies.

Leevi Merilainen – Ottawa SenatorsLeevi Merilainen has quickly climbed Ottawa’s depth chart.

Last season, he impressed in 12 NHL games with an 8-3-1 record, a 1.99 GAA, and a .925 save percentage. With Anton Forsberg departing, Merilainen is poised for more consistent minutes. If he continues to excel against top-tier competition, he could emerge as a key tandem or even primary goalie in Ottawa.Jet Greaves – Columbus Blue JacketsJet Greaves has steadily proven his potential. Following an impressive 2024-25 run, where he posted a .938 save percentage, 1.91 GAA, and two shutouts, the undrafted six-footer could earn more NHL action.

His performance demonstrates that he can thrive when given extended opportunities.

Arturs Silovs – Pittsburgh PenguinsArturs Silovs experienced ups and downs with Vancouver but excelled in the AHL, leading the Abbotsford Canucks to a Calder Cup with a .931 save percentage. Now in Pittsburgh, he faces competition from Joel Blomqvist but has the talent to claim NHL minutes behind Tristan Jarry.Also Read: Jaccob Slavin climbs NHL Network’s top defensemen rankings, earning eighth spot in 2025With a combination of skill, opportunity, and organizational trust, these young goaltenders could redefine their teams’ futures this season. Fans should keep an eye on these rising stars as they chase their NHL breakthroughs.