Future NHL stars: Ranking top 10 goaltenders under age 25, including Dustin Wolf and Spencer Knight
As
NHL
Young Stars Week shines a spotlight on the future of the league, goaltending prospects are stealing the headlines. With speed, skill, and mental fortitude, a new wave of under-25 goalies is ready to take over the crease.
These young netminders are already making an impact or are on the verge of doing so.
Why NHL teams are betting big on young goaltenders
Goaltending remains one of the hardest positions to project, but the NHL's next generation is full of talent, with several players already cracking NHL lineups and others dominating the AHL and college ranks.
With tighter salary caps and the need for long-term solutions, teams are banking on these young, affordable goalies to be game-changers.
— NHLdotcom (@NHLdotcom)
Top under-25 NHL goalies to watch in 2025
Dustin Wolf
(Calgary Flames) leads the list thanks to a standout rookie season. Drafted 214th overall in 2019, Wolf defied the odds with elite AHL numbers and a solid 29-16-8 NHL debut. His .910 save percentage and ability to read the play make him one of the most exciting young goalies in hockey.
Spencer Knight
(Chicago Blackhawks) brings the most NHL experience. After a reset year and a trade to Chicago, the 24-year-old is set to battle for a starting role.
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His size, positioning, and calm demeanor give him long-term No. 1 potential.
Yaroslav Askarov
(San Jose Sharks) was once considered the top goalie prospect in the world. Now with San Jose after being blocked in Nashville, the 23-year-old athletic Russian has a golden opportunity to prove his NHL worth.
Leevi Merilainen
(Ottawa Senators) and
Jacob Fowler
(Montreal Canadiens) are quickly rising. Merilainen impressed in both the NHL and AHL last season, while Fowler's .940 save percentage at Boston College and strong AHL debut suggest he could fast-track to the big league.
Trey Augustine
(Detroit Red Wings),
Jet Greaves
(Columbus Blue Jackets), and
Devon Levi
(Buffalo Sabres) add further depth to the list. Augustine has international pedigree, Greaves is an undrafted success story, and Levi's quick reflexes and smarts continue to turn heads.
Jesper Wallstedt
(Minnesota Wild) and
Joel Blomqvist
(Pittsburgh Penguins) round out the top 10, both looking to break through on struggling rosters.
Also Read:
Brad Marchand trade to Florida Panthers leads to Stanley Cup win and emotional return to Boston Bruins
The future of NHL goaltending belongs to these under-25 standouts
These under-25 goalies represent the NHL's future in net—faster, smarter, and more prepared than ever. With names like Dustin Wolf and Spencer Knight leading the charge, this new wave of talent is already making its mark on NHL rosters. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they battle for starting roles and shape the league's next era of elite goaltending.
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