When it comes to the NHL, goaltenders often serve as the backbone of their teams—stealing games, shutting down superstars, and writing their names in hockey lore. Throughout the league’s storied history, certain netminders have risen above the rest, combining legendary saves, championship rings, and jaw-dropping consistency. Who are the greatest NHL goalies ever? Here’s our Top 10, complete with career highlights, trophy cabinets, best averages, and some amazing trivia.
1. Martin Brodeur (Canada)
Martin Brodeur is widely recognized as the NHL’s winningest goalie, boasting an incredible 691 regular-season victories and a record 125 shutouts. Spending most of his career with the New Jersey Devils, he led the franchise to three Stanley Cup championships (1995, 2000, 2003). Brodeur collected four Vezina Trophies and was known for his hybrid style, which mixed classic stand-up and butterfly techniques. His puck-handling skills set him apart—he even scored three goals, the most ever for a goalie. Brodeur was a true workhorse, playing over 70 games in multiple seasons. His legendary consistency made him a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
- 3× Stanley Cup champion (1995, 2000, 2003)
- 4× Vezina Trophy (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008)
- 5× William M. Jennings Trophy
- 10× NHL All-Star
- Olympic gold medalist (Canada, 2002)
- NHL all-time leader in wins and shutouts
2. Patrick Roy (Canada)
Patrick Roy revolutionized the goaltending position with his aggressive butterfly style and icy composure under pressure. He is the only goalie to win three Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP, leading both the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche to Stanley Cup glory (four championships in total). Roy earned three Vezina Trophies and racked up 551 career wins. Known for his fiery personality, he often thrived in high-stakes moments, turning away the best shooters when it mattered most. Roy’s clutch performances in overtime games are the stuff of legend. Off the ice, he later became a successful NHL coach.
- 4× Stanley Cup champion (1986, 1993, 1996, 2001)
- 3× Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP)
- 3× Vezina Trophy
- 5× William M. Jennings Trophy
- 11× NHL All-Star
- Olympic silver medalist (Canada, 1998)
3. Dominik Hašek (Czech Republic)
Nicknamed “The Dominator,” Dominik Hašek brought a unique, acrobatic style to the NHL and became a nightmare for shooters. Hašek won six Vezina Trophies and two Hart Trophies—unheard of for a goaltender—while playing for the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings. He led Detroit to two Stanley Cups (2002, 2008) and holds the best career save percentage (.922) among retired goalies with 500+ games. Hašek’s flexibility and unpredictability left fans and rivals alike in awe. He also won Olympic gold for the Czech Republic in 1998, further cementing his legend. Many experts call him the most talented goalie ever.
- 2× Stanley Cup champion (2002, 2008)
- 6× Vezina Trophy
- 2× Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP)
- 3× William M. Jennings Trophy
- 6× NHL All-Star
- Olympic gold medalist (Czech Republic, 1998)
- Best career save percentage among retired goalies (min. 500 games)
4. Terry Sawchuk (Canada)
Terry Sawchuk dominated the NHL in the 1950s and ’60s, finishing his career with four Stanley Cups and 103 shutouts—second only to Brodeur. Playing for Detroit, Toronto, and others, Sawchuk set a standard for resilience, playing through injuries and with minimal protective gear. He won three Vezina Trophies and posted a lifetime goals-against average (GAA) of 2.50. Known for his cat-like reflexes, he often played without a mask for most of his career. Sawchuk’s story is also one of perseverance and tragedy, making his achievements even more remarkable. His legacy as a pioneer for goalies remains strong to this day.
- 4× Stanley Cup champion (1952, 1954, 1955, 1967)
- 3× Vezina Trophy
- 7× NHL All-Star
- Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year, 1951)
- NHL record for shutouts at the time of retirement
5. Jacques Plante (Canada)
Jacques Plante changed the face of goaltending—literally—by being the first to regularly wear a protective mask in games. He won six Stanley Cups and seven Vezina Trophies as the backbone of the Montreal Canadiens dynasty. Plante posted a career GAA of 2.38 and was known for his intelligence and ability to read the play. He was an innovator, often leaving his crease to play the puck and communicate with his defensemen. Plante’s contributions went far beyond the crease, influencing generations of netminders. His mask remains an iconic image in NHL history.
- 6× Stanley Cup champion (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)
- 7× Vezina Trophy
- 7× NHL All-Star
- Hart Memorial Trophy finalist
- First goalie to regularly wear a mask
6. Ken Dryden (Canada)
Ken Dryden’s NHL career was short but dazzling—he won six Stanley Cups in just eight seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. Dryden’s calm, unflappable demeanor and 2.24 career GAA made him a pillar in the net. He won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year and five Vezina Trophies. Remarkably, Dryden began his career by winning the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP before his official rookie season. After retiring early, he became a best-selling author and politician. Dryden’s legacy is one of excellence both on and off the ice.
- 6× Stanley Cup champion (1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)
- 5× Vezina Trophy
- Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year, 1972)
- Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP, 1971)
- 6× NHL All-Star
7. Glenn Hall (Canada)
Known as “Mr. Goalie,” Glenn Hall was famed for his ironman streak—playing 502 consecutive complete games, a record for netminders. Hall won the Stanley Cup with Chicago and took home three Vezina Trophies. He is credited with pioneering the butterfly style, which revolutionized the position. Hall finished with a career GAA of 2.49 and posted 84 shutouts. His durability and innovation made him a role model for future generations. Even today, his streak is considered one of the toughest feats in NHL history.
- 1× Stanley Cup champion (1961)
- 3× Vezina Trophy
- 11× NHL All-Star
- Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP, 1968)
- NHL ironman streak: 502 consecutive games
8. Grant Fuhr (Canada)
Grant Fuhr backstopped the high-flying Edmonton Oilers to five Stanley Cups during the 1980s dynasty. Renowned for his ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations, Fuhr was at his best when the stakes were highest. He won the Vezina Trophy in 1988 and was selected to six All-Star teams. Fuhr’s quick reflexes and confidence in the crease gave his superstar teammates the freedom to attack. He remains a trailblazer as one of the first Black superstars in NHL history. Fuhr was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.
- 5× Stanley Cup champion (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990)
- 1× Vezina Trophy (1988)
- 6× NHL All-Star
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (2003)
9. Ed Belfour (Canada)
Ed Belfour, nicknamed “The Eagle,” was celebrated for his intense competitiveness and athleticism. He won the Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and racked up 484 career wins, placing him among the all-time leaders. Belfour captured two Vezina Trophies and was known for his unique style and signature mask. Over his 17-season career, he posted 76 shutouts and had a career GAA of 2.50. Off the ice, Belfour was as passionate about his equipment as his game. His fiery personality made him a fan favorite and sometimes a villain.
- 1× Stanley Cup champion (1999)
- 2× Vezina Trophy
- 4× William M. Jennings Trophy
- Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year, 1991)
- 5× NHL All-Star
10. Roberto Luongo (Canada)
Roberto Luongo was one of the most consistent and durable goalies of his era, amassing 489 career wins (fourth all-time). He played for the New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, and Vancouver Canucks, leading the latter to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. Luongo was a two-time finalist for the Vezina Trophy and won Olympic gold with Team Canada in 2010. Known for his humor and candid personality on social media, he became a beloved figure in the NHL community. Luongo’s 76 career shutouts put him among the best ever. Despite never winning the Cup, his impact was immense.
- Olympic gold medalist (Canada, 2010)
- 2× Vezina Trophy finalist
- 3× William M. Jennings Trophy finalist
- 2× NHL Second All-Star Team
- Most wins in Florida Panthers franchise history
- Led Vancouver Canucks to 2011 Stanley Cup Final
Honorable Mentions (Just Missed the List):
Henrik Lundqvist (Sweden)
“The King” was the face of the New York Rangers for over a decade, winning the Vezina in 2012 and amassing 459 career victories. Lundqvist was known for his poise and technical mastery, as well as his play in pressure situations. He is widely regarded as the best goalie to never win the Stanley Cup.
- 1× Vezina Trophy (2012)
- Olympic gold medalist (Sweden, 2006)
- NHL All-Star, King Clancy Trophy
Tony Esposito (Canada)
A Chicago Blackhawks legend, Esposito won three Vezina Trophies and notched 76 shutouts. His “butterfly” style influenced an entire generation of netminders. Esposito’s distinctive mask and consistent excellence made him a Hall of Famer.
- 3× Vezina Trophy
- Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year, 1970)
- 5× NHL All-Star
Carey Price (Canada)
Carey Price captured the Hart and Vezina Trophies in 2015 and led Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2014. Injuries limited his longevity, but at his best, he was considered the most technically sound goalie of his era. Price’s calmness inspired confidence in every Montreal Canadiens team he played for.
- 1× Hart Memorial Trophy (2015)
- 1× Vezina Trophy (2015)
- Olympic gold medalist (Canada, 2014)
- Ted Lindsay Award (2015)
Marc-André Fleury (Canada)
With over 550 career wins (and counting), Fleury is still adding to his legacy. He has three Stanley Cup rings with Pittsburgh and a Vezina Trophy to his name. Fleury’s acrobatic saves and energetic style make him a fan favorite everywhere he plays.
- 3× Stanley Cup champion (2009, 2016, 2017)
- 1× Vezina Trophy (2021)
- 4× NHL All-Star
Mike Richter (USA)
Richter was a mainstay for the New York Rangers, backstopping them to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994. Known for his explosive lateral movement and clutch saves, Richter remains one of the greatest American goalies. His No. 35 is retired by the Rangers.
- 1× Stanley Cup champion (1994)
- 3× NHL All-Star
- World Cup of Hockey champion (USA, 1996; tournament MVP)
Conclusion
Choosing the best NHL goalies of all time isn’t easy—each era brought different challenges, equipment, and styles. But whether it’s Brodeur’s ironman consistency, Roy’s playoff magic, or Hašek’s jaw-dropping acrobatics, these netminders defined greatness and inspired future generations. Their legacies live on, every time the puck drops.
