Top 10 Underrated Fantasy Goalies

Caleb Desjardins

2026-09-14

*Note: Stats courtesy of Frozen Tools

This week, we'll be taking a look between the pipes. While The Hellebuycks, and Shesterkins of the world will always be the ideal goaltenders, there are several under the radar names who could see some fantasy production. Take a look at our Top 10 Fantasy Goalies rankings for the big names. But if you're interested in goaltenders who can be had in the later rounds as well as free agent adds throughout the season, look no further. Here are the Top 10 Underrated Fantasy Goalies for the 2026/27 season.

10. Sergei Murashov, Pittsburgh Penguins

Sergei Murashov is a relative unknown to most hockey fans. As of now, he is projected to be the Penguins backup netminder to begin the season. The 22-year-old had a few starts with Pittsburgh last season as well as boasting solid numbers in the AHL. While Arturs Silovs enjoyed some success, he is not a proven starting goalie over a full campaign. This means Murashov could see some starts as the season progresses. The youngster will be a name to keep an eye on in the free agent market.

9. Tristan Jarry, Edmonton Oilers

After being traded to Edmonton last season, Jarry disappointed during his time with the Oilers. As a result, the Oilers acquired Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi in the offseason. However, Andersen has already been injured ahead of training camp and Levi is unproven at the NHL level. This means that at least to begin the year, Jarry will likely be the starter in Edmonton. If he returns to form, he could be the solution in net for Edmonton later into the season.

8. Jake Allen, New Jersey Devils

After trading away Jacob Markstrom to Florida, Jake Allen is all of a sudden the starter in New Jersey. At 36 years old, he is well past his prime, but the reality is that the Devils have no other options in goal outside of Nico Daws. If New Jersey wants to return to playoff form, Allen will be a key part of it. He should see enough starts to make him a relevant fantasy option in net this season as long as the team doesn't acquire outside help in goal.

7. Devin Cooley, Calgary Flames

Cooley made a name for himself as one of the better backup goaltenders in the NHL last season. He played in 31 games for the Flames, boasting solid numbers. Dustin Wolf is the bona fide starter in Calgary, but the team isn't expected to be competitive next season. As the campaign dwindles and the Flames fall into lottery contention, Cooley could see more starts down the stretch.

6. Akira Schmid, Florida Panthers

With the departure of Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers crease will have a new look this upcoming season. Jacob Markstrom is expected to be the starter with Akira Schmid backing him up. Florida should return to form again this season with their star players back in the lineup. However, Markstrom has had difficulty staying healthy in the past. If he runs into injury concerns, Schmid will be the starting goaltender of one of the NHL's top teams.

5. Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings

Darcy Kuemper continues to be one of the more underrated starting goalies in the league. While he didn't have a great campaign in 2025-26, he will still hold the crease next season in Los Angeles. If the Kings are to be a playoff team in 2026/27, Kuemper will be a big part of their success. In the later rounds, he can be a solid fantasy backup option for managers to consider.

4. Joel Hofer, St. Louis Blues

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After Jordan Binnington faltered last season, Joel Hofer appears to have earned the starting job in St. Louis. He'll have a new-look Blues roster in front of him, and he hopes to be the face of the team’s crease as they enter a new regime. He's played at least 30 games in each of the past three seasons, so he has the experience. Hofer could cement himself as an elite goaltender this upcoming season, and he's a name that not many people have their eyes on.

3. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres

Ukko-Pekka Luukonen and Alex Lyon shared the starter’s crease last season, and while it’s unclear who will be the main option going forward, it’s expected that UPL will have the edge, being the much younger netminder and hopeful starter of the future. If he can grab the job in Buffalo, he could be a top fantasy goaltender who is available in the later rounds.

2. Spencer Knight, G, Chicago Blackhawks

Spencer Knight has been one of the most highly-touted goaltending prospects for some time now. He was never given a real opportunity at the NHL level until he was traded from Florida to Chicago. Now at 25 years old, Knight is the Blackhawks starter at present, and the team hopes he is the answer in the future as well. He put up respectable numbers during his first full campaign, despite a poor roster in front of him. With the Blackhawks looking to be more competitive, the hope is that Knight can take his game to another level.

1. Jet Greaves, Columbus Blue Jackets

Jet Greaves burst onto the scene last season and stole the starting role in Columbus from Elvis Merzlikins. He had some stretches where he looked to be a true number one goaltender. He'll be given the opportunity to prove it this upcoming season. For fantasy owners, Greaves is an under-the-radar goaltender who is poised to have a big season. The confidence of being the starter in Columbus and for Canada at the men’s Worlds could propel the 25-year-old to new heights in 2026-27.

*For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @Cdesjardins67

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