Goalies fluctuate the most year after year and that really impacts fantasy hockey. Even a proven star goalie can have an off-season. So with that being said, you need to have options on your roster and be on the lookout for the next talent that other owners may not be fully aware of. Rookies can be very hit or miss, but second-year goalies have a little more experience under their belts and aren’t likely to be sent back to the AHL anymore. These are the four best sophomore goaltenders to draft in fantasy hockey this year.
Fantasy Hockey Sophomore Breakout Goalies
Pyotr Kochetkov, Carolina Hurricanes
Pyotr Kochetkov has been in the NHL for a little longer than one season, but he has also been up and down a lot. This was due to having more goalies that should be playing in the NHL just to be sure with injuries. He was a rookie last season, so this technically makes this his sophomore season in the NHL. He also finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting and on a strong Carolina Hurricanes team that works hard and defends well as a team.
Kochetkov has proven to be nothing but great for fantasy hockey as he is a career 38-20-9 with a .2.37 GAA, .910 SV%, and eight shutouts. Expect him to at least start half of the games, if not a good amount more if Frederik Andersen is injured at all this season.
Joseph Woll, Toronto Maple Leafs
Joseph Woll stepped in last season and did well when he was healthy. That was a bit of a problem for him and the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he’s ready to go this season again. Woll played 25 games, going 12-11-1 with a 2.94 GAA and .907 SV%. It isn’t stellar, but the other option the Maple Leafs have to roll with is Anthony Stolarz, a 30-year-old who is coming off of his most starts in a season, 24. Woll is seen as the starter in Toronto and if he stays healthy, will be a great option to have in fantasy hockey as the Maple Leafs are a great regular-season team.
Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames
Dustin Wolf got into 17 games last season for the Calgary Flames and is a top goalie prospect around the league. He is finally getting his shot now that Jacob Markstrom is moved. Wolf was more or less eased into the NHL last season after dominating the AHL but will be tossed into the fire this season. It is he and Dan Vladar as the tandem in Calgary, who aren’t expected to be a very good team in 2024-25. The team did go 13-14-0 to end the 2023-24 season with an altered roster, so there will be some wins coming Wolf’s way. He should be the starter as Vladar hasn’t shown any positive signs the last year to indicate he will steal starts.
Justus Annunen, Colorado Avalanche
Justus Annunen will have much more trust this season for the Colorado Avalanche. The team may very well need it too as Alexandar Georgiev, the starter, had a 3.02 GAA and .897 SV% in 63 games last season. He struggled, but the Avalanche outscored their problems. That didn’t go over well in the postseason and Annunen was able to post great numbers in limited starts. He will be the backup, but he will get into more games as the second-year goalie will start the season on the Avalanche this time around. He finished 2023-24 with an 8-4-1 record to go along with a 2.25 GAA, .928 SV%, and two shutouts in 14 games. He will likely start less than the other three goalies above, but the Avalanche are a strong team and aren’t playing around. They may have to make the tough choice and sit Georgiev more often this season.
Related: Second-Year Fantasy Hockey Breakouts: Defensemen
These younger goalies could be surprise hits this season in fantasy hockey and be a difference maker. It’s never easy to find quality starts and it is integral each week. Make sure these four sophomores are on your radar in the draft and over the course of the season.