2026-27 NHL Goalie Tiers: Anonymous panel of coaches and goalies rates 45 netminders

A 10-person anonymous panel evaluated and ranked the top 45 NHL goalies into five tiers for the 2026-27 season. The expert panel consisted of eight current, former, and private goalie coaches, alongside two recently retired NHL netminders. The project serves as a season preview and power ranking to evaluate true ability heading into the new campaign.

Panelists graded each player on a scale from 1 to 5 based on expected performance rather than long-term potential. Factors assessed included rebound control, angle play, tracking ability, and team leadership. Igor Shesterkin was rated the best goalie in the world, earning a unanimous 1.0 average ranking in Tier 1.