In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of hockey, no position is more critical—or more unforgiving—than that of the goaltender. They are the last line of defense, the player who can single-handedly turn the tide of a game with one spectacular save or a series of them. The history of the NHL is filled with iconic scorers and rugged defensemen, but the most legendary figures often reside between the pipes. A great goaltender isn’t just about stopping pucks; it’s about tactical mastery, mental fortitude, and a singular ability to perform under the most intense pressure imaginable.
The evolution of the position, from the days of stand-up goalies with rudimentary equipment to today’s athletic, technically-precise netminders, is a story of continuous innovation and adaptation. This list celebrates the pioneers who revolutionized the game, the winners who backstopped dynasties, and the acrobats who redefined what a save could look like. Each one of these netminders represents a specific era and an enduring legacy, and their stories are intertwined with some of hockey’s greatest moments.
The debate over the greatest of all time is a perennial one, filled with passionate arguments and endless statistics. Do you prioritize longevity and record-breaking numbers, like those of Martin Brodeur, or is it clutch playoff performance and sheer dominance, like Patrick Roy? Perhaps it’s the rule-breakers and innovators, like Dominik Hašek and Jacques Plante, who earn the title.
Our list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders attempts to honor this rich history by looking beyond just the numbers. It’s a celebration of their unique styles, their impact on their teams and the league as a whole, and the trophies and titles they collected along the way. From the legendary “Mr. Goalie” who played without a mask, to the modern-day titans who shattered records thought to be unbreakable, these are the guardians of the net who cemented their place in hockey lore.
Each player on this list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders has a story that defines an era and proves that a great goaltender is more than just a player—they are the heart and soul of their team.
Top 10 NHL Goaltenders of All Time :
10. Glenn Hall
“Mr. Goalie” wasn’t just a great goaltender; he was a pioneer of the position and an embodiment of incredible durability. Glenn Hall was one of the first goaltenders to regularly use the now-famous “butterfly” style, dropping to his knees to block shots, a technique that was considered revolutionary and even reckless at the time. What truly sets Hall apart and earns him a spot on this list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders is his legendary streak of 502 consecutive complete games.
From the 1955-56 season through the 1962-63 season, Hall never missed a single start, a record of resilience that is simply unimaginable in today’s NHL. He played most of his career without a mask, enduring countless shots to the face and body. This toughness, combined with his innovative style, made him an icon.
Hall’s dominance was also recognized with a Stanley Cup victory with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1961 and a Conn Smythe Trophy for his masterful playoff performance with the St. Louis Blues in 1968, despite his team’s loss in the Final. For his sheer toughness and impact on the position, Hall is an essential entry on any list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 407 wins, 84 shutouts, 3 Vezina Trophies, 1 Stanley Cup |
9. Grant Fuhr
Grant Fuhr was the dynamic backstop for the dynasty-era Edmonton Oilers in the 1980s. While playing for a team with legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, Fuhr was often overlooked, but his acrobatic, athletic style was the perfect complement to the Oilers’ high-flying offense. Fuhr wasn’t a technician; he was an instinctive shot-stopper who could make jaw-dropping saves out of sheer athleticism.
He was a master of making the big save when it mattered most, and his clutch performances are why he is considered one of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. Fuhr was the workhorse goalie behind five Stanley Cups, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about his ability to perform under the immense pressure of the playoffs. His single Vezina Trophy in 1988 was a testament to his individual brilliance, but his legacy is defined by his winning.
As the first Black player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Fuhr broke barriers and inspired a new generation of players. His reputation as a clutch performer who could steal a game makes him an undeniable inclusion on this list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 403 wins, 25 shutouts, 5 Stanley Cups, 1 Vezina Trophy |
8. Terry Sawchuk
A goaltending pioneer from the early days of the NHL, Terry Sawchuk was a force of nature. His career spanned two decades, from the late 1940s to the 1970s, and he left an indelible mark on the league. Sawchuk was known for his relentless competitiveness and his athletic, unorthodox style, which often saw him sprawling on the ice to make a save.
He endured an incredible amount of punishment, playing most of his career without a mask and sustaining numerous injuries. When he retired, Sawchuk was the league’s all-time leader in wins and shutouts, records that stood for decades and are a testament to his dominance. He won four Stanley Cups, including three with the Detroit Red Wings, and was honored with four Vezina Trophies.
His longevity and consistent excellence in an era of brutal competition firmly establish him as one of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. His influence on the position is immeasurable, and his sheer toughness and skill in an unforgiving era of hockey are why he belongs in this list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 447 wins, 103 shutouts, 4 Stanley Cups, 4 Vezina Trophies |
7. Dominik Hašek
There has never been another goaltender quite like Dominik Hašek. Dubbed “The Dominator,” Hašek’s style was a chaotic ballet of flailing limbs, desperate dives, and impossible saves. He was not a traditional butterfly goalie; instead, he relied on an unpredictable, acrobatic technique that baffled shooters. This unorthodox style, combined with his incredible reflexes, made him arguably the most dominant goaltender of his generation.
Hašek’s personal trophy case is a testament to his brilliance, with a staggering six Vezina Trophies and back-to-back Hart Trophies as the league’s MVP in 1997 and 1998, an honor rarely bestowed upon a goaltender. His ability to single-handedly win games for his team in an era of offensive powerhouses is why he is so highly regarded.
While he had to wait until later in his career to win two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, his pure ability to steal games and demoralize opponents solidifies his place as one of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. His career was a masterclass in defying convention and becoming a legend on his own terms, making him one of the most unique of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 389 wins, 81 shutouts, 6 Vezina Trophies, 2 Hart Trophies |
6. Ken Dryden
In a career that lasted only eight seasons, Ken Dryden achieved more than most goaltenders do in a lifetime. His story is one of unprecedented success and brilliance. Dryden arrived in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens and, in a shocking turn of events, led his team to a Stanley Cup as a rookie, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy for his playoff performance before even winning the regular season’s Calder Trophy.
This was just the beginning. Dryden’s calm demeanor, immense size, and unique stand-up style made him nearly unbeatable during a Montreal dynasty that won six Stanley Cups in eight years. He collected five Vezina Trophies and a Calder Trophy, cementing his status as one of the most decorated goaltenders in history despite his short career. His intelligent approach to the game, both physically and mentally, allowed him to dominate an era of hockey.
His incredible stats, coupled with his impeccable championship record, make him an easy choice for this list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. Dryden’s legendary short career and his flawless performance under pressure make him a true icon among the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 258 wins, 46 shutouts, 6 Stanley Cups, 5 Vezina Trophies |
5. Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante’s legacy extends far beyond his on-ice performance, as he was a true revolutionary who forever changed the goaltending position. He is widely credited as the first goalie to regularly wear a protective mask in a game, a practice that was initially met with resistance but is now standard equipment. Beyond this game-changing innovation, Plante was an elite goaltender who redefined the role with his aggressive style.
He was one of the first goalies to actively handle the puck behind his net and communicate with his defense, a strategy that is now commonplace. Plante was a winner, collecting six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and a remarkable seven Vezina Trophies during his career. His puck-handling skills and willingness to roam from his crease made him a pioneer and a visionary.
His influence on the technical and strategic aspects of goaltending cannot be overstated, and for that reason, he is an essential entry on any list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. His bravery and genius forever changed how the position is played, making him a central figure in the history of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 437 wins, 82 shutouts, 6 Stanley Cups, 7 Vezina Trophies. |
See More :
4. Tony Esposito
Tony Esposito’s rookie season in 1969-70 is arguably the most dominant in NHL history for a goaltender. Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Esposito recorded an astounding 15 shutouts, a modern-era rookie record that still stands today, and was awarded both the Vezina and Calder Trophies. Known for his aggressive, athletic, and acrobatic style, Esposito was a perennial All-Star and the face of the Blackhawks franchise for over a decade.
He was a master of the “butterfly” technique, using it with a controlled aggression that made him a force to be reckoned with. Esposito was recognized with three Vezina Trophies throughout his career, and his statistics are a testament to his consistent excellence. His career produced an impressive 423 wins and 76 shutouts, despite playing on teams that were not always championship contenders.
Esposito’s remarkable rookie season and his career of consistent brilliance place him high on any list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. His ability to make incredible saves with his unique style makes him a standout among the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 423 wins, 76 shutouts, 3 Vezina Trophies |
3. Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur is the undisputed king of longevity and consistency. He holds the NHL records for nearly every major goaltending statistic, including the most regular-season wins (691), shutouts (125), and games played (1,266). Brodeur spent the vast majority of his career with the New Jersey Devils, where he was the backbone of a team known for its defensive prowess.
His style was a unique blend of traditional stand-up goaltending and modern techniques, but his true innovation was his incredible puck-handling ability. Brodeur’s skill with the stick allowed him to act as a third defenseman, breaking up plays and starting the offense, a skill that forced the NHL to implement the “trapezoid” rule to limit his influence.
He backstopped the Devils to three Stanley Cups and collected four Vezina Trophies. Brodeur’s incredible endurance, tactical brilliance, and his ability to remain a dominant force for over two decades make him a lock for any list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. His name is synonymous with the position, and his numerous records make him one of the all-time greats among the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 691 wins, 125 shutouts, 3 Stanley Cups, 4 Vezina Trophies. |
2. Patrick Roy
“Saint Patrick” was a winner and a true big-game performer. Patrick Roy’s career is defined by his incredible success and his legendary competitiveness. He won four Stanley Cups with two different teams—two with the Montreal Canadiens and two with the Colorado Avalanche. Roy also holds the record for the most Conn Smythe Trophies, with three, an award given to the playoff MVP, which is a testament to his clutch performances when it mattered most.
He revolutionized the position with his aggressive butterfly style and his legendary focus. Roy was a master of intimidation and mind games, and his fierce will to win was second to none. He holds numerous playoff records and his career records, including 551 wins, place him at the top of the all-time list.
Roy’s unparalleled success in the playoffs and his incredible ability to elevate his game under pressure make him a top-tier contender for the greatest of all time and a definitive entry on any list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. His legendary clutch performances make him an icon among the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 551 wins, 66 shutouts, 4 Stanley Cups, 3 Conn Smythe Trophies. |
1. Connor Hellebuyck
Connor Hellebuyck is the embodiment of modern goaltending dominance. In an era defined by explosive offense, he has consistently been the league’s most reliable and statistically elite netminder. Playing for the Winnipeg Jets, a team that has not always had the most defensively sound roster, Hellebuyck has routinely faced a high volume of shots and still put up Vezina Trophy-winning numbers.
He is a Hart Memorial Trophy winner as the league’s most valuable player, and has collected an impressive three Vezina Trophies as the NHL’s best goaltender, including back-to-back awards in 2024 and 2025. Hellebuyck’s imposing size and impeccable positioning allow him to track the puck with a quiet confidence, making saves look routine that others would find spectacular.
His career is a testament to the idea that in a salary-cap world, the most valuable asset a team can have is a goaltender who can single-handedly win them games. He is a foundational piece for the Jets and a statistical marvel whose career, though still ongoing, has already placed him among the very best of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. His sustained excellence and collection of major awards make him a strong and unconventional pick for the greatest of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
| Key Stats | 322 wins, 45 shutouts, 3 Vezina Trophies, 1 Hart Trophy, 2 William M. Jennings Trophies. |
FAQs
Who is considered the best modern NHL goaltender?
Connor Hellebuyck is widely regarded as one of the best active goaltenders in the NHL. His dominance has put him in the conversation for the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders of all time. With his multiple Vezina Trophy wins and elite numbers, he has solidified his position as a modern great among the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
What is the Vezina Trophy and how many has Connor Hellebuyck won?
The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the goaltender who is voted to be the best at his position. With an impressive three Vezina Trophies, Connor Hellebuyck’s success puts him in an elite group of players who deserve to be on the list of the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders. His collection of these awards is a testament to his consistent excellence and makes him a strong candidate for any discussion about the Top 10 NHL Goaltenders.
Read More:
