Evaluating goaltenders is a notoriously difficult task, even for seasoned NHL scouts. The position is highly specialized, and a multitude of factors, from technical skill to mental fortitude, contribute to a goalie's success. Despite the inherent challenges, some teams have struck gold by selecting goalies in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. Here's a look at ten of the best, in no particular order, who have proven the value of investing a high draft pick on a netminder:
Martin Brodeur: Drafted 20th overall in 1990 by the New Jersey Devils, Brodeur is arguably the greatest goaltender of all time. A cornerstone of the Devils' dynasty, Brodeur holds the NHL record for wins (691), shutouts (125), and games played by a goalie (1,266). His innovative puck-handling skills and unwavering consistency revolutionized the position. While some debate his success being attributed to the Devils' defensive system, his individual brilliance and impact are undeniable, solidifying his place as the best goalie drafted in the first round.
Marc-Andre Fleury: "Flower" was selected first overall in 2003 by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fleury backstopped the Penguins to three Stanley Cups and has played over 1,000 NHL games. Known for his athleticism and jovial personality, Fleury remains the last goalie to be drafted first overall. Currently still playing at a high level, Fleury's chances of being a first-ballot Hall of Famer upon retirement are high.
Carey Price: The Montreal Canadiens selected Price fifth overall in 2005. Price is the Canadiens' all-time winningest goalie (361). Although he never won a Stanley Cup, he is considered one of the best netminders of his generation and dominated the game on the international stage. He remains the last goalie to win both the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award. Price is expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Andrei Vasilevskiy: Drafted 19th overall in 2012 by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Vasilevskiy has quickly become one of the league's elite netminders. A Vezina Trophy winner and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, he led the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. Still only 30 years old, Vasilevskiy has already played in four Stanley Cup Finals.
Grant Fuhr: Selected 8th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 1981, Fuhr was instrumental in the Oilers' dynasty years, guiding them to five Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on the first ballot, Fuhr's impact on the ice was undeniable. Despite relatively lower career numbers in save percentage and goals-against average, he ranks 12th all-time in wins.
Roberto Luongo: Although Luongo never captured a Stanley Cup, his remarkable career speaks for itself. Drafted fourth overall in 1997 by the New York Islanders, Luongo ranks among the league's all-time leaders in games played and saves.
Cam Ward: Ward was drafted 25th overall in 2002 by the Carolina Hurricanes. He famously led the Hurricanes to their only Stanley Cup title in 2006 as a rookie, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. Ward collected over 330 wins in his NHL career and appeared in over 700 games.
Olaf Kölzig: Drafted 19th overall in 1989 by the Washington Capitals. Kölzig played the sixth-most games of any netminder drafted in the first round (719) and collected the 10th-most wins (303). He won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2006.
Jonathan Bernier: Bernier was selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2006 NHL Draft. He has played for five organizations over 12 seasons.
Tom Barrasso: Barrasso was drafted 5th overall in 1983 by the Buffalo Sabres.
While not every first-round goalie pick pans out, these ten netminders exemplify the potential reward when a team correctly identifies and develops a top-tier goaltending talent. They have each left an indelible mark on the game and have proven that, in certain cases, it is indeed worth the risk to invest a high draft pick on a goalie.
