2024 NHL Draft: Top 10 Goalies

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As the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft approaches, excitement is building for the event, which will take place on June 28-29 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The first round is scheduled for June 28, with rounds 2-7 following on June 29. NHL.com is providing comprehensive coverage, including in-depth profiles, podcasts, and features on top prospects. Here, we look at the top eligible goalies for the 2024 draft.

1. Mikhail Yegorov, Omaha (USHL) Mikhail Yegorov tops the list of North American goalies according to NHL Central Scouting. Despite a challenging season with Omaha, where he posted an 8-25-3 record, a 3.86 goals-against average (GAA), and a .892 save percentage in 43 games, his potential remains undeniable. Yegorov faced a high volume of quality shots, showcasing his resilience and technical prowess. His final 10 games were particularly impressive, allowing three goals or fewer in nine of them and achieving a .906 save percentage. Yegorov, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 188 pounds, is expected to return to Omaha next season before joining Boston University in 2025-26.

2. Carter George, Owen Sound (OHL) Carter George ranks second among North American goalies. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 194 pounds, George had a strong season with a 23-21-9 record, a 3.30 GAA, and a .907 save percentage in 56 OHL games. He also played a crucial role in Canada's gold medal victories at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. Known for his net positioning, puck handling, and consistency, George's performance has been lauded despite not having the size of some other top goalies.

3. Eemil Vinni, Jokipojat (FIN-2) Eemil Vinni, the top-ranked international goalie, had a strong season in Mestis, Finland's second-highest professional league. With a 17-9-10 record, a 2.72 GAA, and a .891 save percentage in 37 games, Vinni also helped Finland secure a bronze medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. At 6-foot-3 and 187 pounds, Vinni's hybrid style, active feet, and strong technical abilities make him a promising prospect.

4. Nicholas Kempf, USA U-18 (USHL) Nicholas Kempf, ranking fourth among North American goalies, had a standout season with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team. With a 23-7-2 record, a 2.99 GAA, and a .897 save percentage in 37 games, Kempf also helped the United States win a silver medal at the World U-18s. Known for his instincts, competitiveness, and efficient crease movements, Kempf is set to play at Notre Dame next season.

5. Ilya Nabokov, Magnitogorsk (RUS) Ilya Nabokov, the second-ranked international goalie, had an outstanding season in the KHL, where he was named MVP of the playoffs after leading Magnitogorsk to the Gagarin Cup. With a 16-6 record, a 1.82 GAA, and a .942 save percentage in the playoffs, Nabokov also had a strong regular season with a 23-13-3 record, a 2.15 GAA, and a .930 save percentage. At 6 feet and 179 pounds, Nabokov is known for his sharp skating, competitiveness, and athleticism.

6. Pavel Moysevich, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS) Pavel Moysevich, ranking fourth among international goalies, had a dynamic season playing at multiple levels in Russia. With a 3-2-2 record, a 1.25 GAA, and a .942 save percentage in the KHL, Moysevich also performed well in the VHL and the MHL. At 6-foot-4 and 187 pounds, he is praised for his consistency and strong technical abilities.

7. Kim Saarinen, HPK Jr. (FIN-JR) Kim Saarinen, the third-ranked international goalie, was named the best goalie in Finland's junior league. With a 14-5-0 record, a 2.41 GAA, and a .917 save percentage, Saarinen also made his debut in Liiga, Finland's top league. At 6-foot-4 and 176 pounds, Saarinen's performance has been highly regarded.

8. Evan Gardner, Saskatoon (WHL) Evan Gardner, the seventh-ranked North American goalie, led the WHL with a 1.91 GAA and a .927 save percentage as a rookie. With a 21-5-2 record and four shutouts, Gardner also had a strong playoff performance. At 6 feet and 175 pounds, his impressive rookie season has drawn attention.

9. Dawson Cowan, Spokane (WHL) Dawson Cowan, ranking fifth among North American goalies, had an 18-20-2 record, a 3.59 GAA, and a .899 save percentage in 43 games. Despite playing for a team that allowed the most goals in the WHL playoffs, Cowan's performance was notable.

10. Lukas Matecha, Tri-City (WHL) Lukas Matecha, the third-ranked North American goalie, moved from the Czech Republic to play for Tri-City this season. With a 13-19-1 record, a 3.42 GAA, and a .901 save percentage, Matecha's transition to North American hockey has been closely watched. At 6-foot-3 and 196 pounds, his size and skill make him a valuable prospect

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