With each passing year, the “Zero G” draft strategy is receiving more airtime. Given the unrelenting unpredictability of goaltending, the strategy is simple: wait until the late rounds to pull the trigger on a goalie.<\/p>\n
In the first half of the 2025-2026 season, the league has seen no shortage of Zero G goalies. From backups earning more playing time to prospects carving out meaningful roles, here are the Top 10 Zero G goalies of the 2025-2026 season thus far.<\/p>\n
(Statistics courtesy of MoneyPuck.com and current to the morning of December 21, 2025)<\/p>\n
10.\u00a0 David Rittich<\/a>, New York Islanders (ADP: N\/A)<\/p>\n David Rittich<\/a> began the season as the undisputed backup on the Island, buried on New York’s depth chart behind workhorse Ilya Sorokin<\/a>. That hasn’t changed, but Big Save Dave has been rock solid when called upon, posting a 7-3-2 record and ranking 10th overall in GSAx\/60 (min. 10 games played). While Sorokin will continue to see the bulk of the starts for New York, Rittich has been among the most reliable goaltending streaming options so far this season.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 9.\u00a0 Jake Allen<\/a>, New Jersey Devils (ADP: 167.7)<\/p>\n Jake Allen<\/a> entered the season backing up Jacob Markstrom<\/a> in New Jersey, expected to absorb limited starts on a team with playoff aspirations. However, Allen has drastically outperformed Markstrom so far, helping keep the Devils in the playoff hunt despite injuries to several key players. Even at 35 years old, Jake Allen<\/a> has proven he has plenty left in the tank, and will continue seeing the net consistently if Markstrom can’t find his game.<\/p>\n 8.\u00a0 Devin Cooley<\/a>, Calgary Flames (ADP: N\/A)<\/p>\n Devin Cooley began the year behind Flames’ franchise goalie Dustin Wolf<\/a> on Calgary’s depth chart. However, Cooley’s solid play, coupled with Wolf’s inconsistency, has vaulted the quirky netminder into flaming-hot Calgary spotlight. Despite a pedestrian 4-4-2 record, Cooley ranks 2nd overall in GSAx\/60 (min. 10 games played). If Cooley’s personal mantra (“nothing matters, nobody cares, we’re all going to die”) is indeed part of the recipe to his early-season success, it may not be long until other goalies start repeating it.<\/p>\n 7.\u00a0 Dan Vladar<\/a>, Philadelphia Flyers (ADP: N\/A)<\/p>\n Dan Vladar<\/a> entered 2025-2026 without a clear starter’s designation, competing in a fluid Flyers crease with Samuel Ersson<\/a>. In the first half of the year, however, Darth Vladar has taken over the net in Philly, posting a 12-5-3 record while ranking 9th overall in GSAx. Vladar is currently out day-to-day with an upper-body injury, but there’s no doubt he will resume duties as the Flyers’ go-to guy upon his return to the lineup.\u00a0<\/p>\n 6.\u00a0 Yaroslav Askarov<\/a>, San Jose Sharks (ADP: 170.8)<\/p>\n Yaroslav Askarov<\/a> began the season with limited expectations on a rebuilding Sharks team. Incredibly, however, San Jose has wildly overperformed this season, currently sitting in a playoff spot in the NHL’s fiercely competitive Western Conference. Still just 23 years old, Askarov is partly to thank for the Sharks’ first-half success, earning 12 wins so far (the same number as notorious early-round picks Andrei Vasilevskiy<\/a>, Ilya Sorokin<\/a>, and Filip Gustavsson<\/a>). For a young goalie in a difficult situation, Askarov’s solid play deserves recognition.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0 Spencer Knight<\/a>, Chicago Blackhawks (ADP: 173.0)<\/p>\n Spencer Knight<\/a> entered the season as Chicago’s clear No. 1 tasked with carrying a heavy workload on a rebuilding team not expected to shield its goaltending. While Chicago currently ranks dead-last in Expected Goals Against, Knight has answered the bell emphatically, ranking 3rd overall in GSAx. With stellar numbers behind a developing roster, Knight’s first half has been more than just impressive, it’s been extraordinary.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0 Casey DeSmith<\/a>, Dallas Stars (ADP: 168.8)<\/p>\n Casey DeSmith<\/a> began the year slotted behind franchise goaltender Jake Oettinger<\/a> on Dallas’ depth chart. While Otter has performed well once again, DeSmith has been incredible, leading the league in GSAx\/60 (min. 10 games played). To put DeSmith’s numbers in perspective, he’s currently tied with Igor Shesterkin<\/a> for 7th overall in GSAx, while appearing in less than half the number of games. Considering Igor’s ADP this season (26.9), DeSmith just might be remembered as the “Zero G” of the year when it’s all said and done.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0 Brandon Bussi<\/a>, Carolina Hurricanes (ADP: N\/A)<\/p>\n Brandon Bussi<\/a> entered the season buried behind Carolina’s tandem of Frederik Andersen<\/a> and Pyotr Kochetkov<\/a>, viewed as an organizational depth piece rather than part of the plan. However, Bussi has caused chaos in Carolina’s crease in the early going, posting a ridiculous 11-1-1 with a 0.913 SV% and a microscopic 2.11 GAA in 13 games played. Carolina’s sound defensive structure helps for sure, but Bussi’s numbers point to more than system effectiveness. In a crowded Carolina crease, Bussi has emerged as the pick of the litter.<\/p>\n 2. \u00a0\u00a0Scott Wedgewood<\/a>, Colorado Avalanche (ADP: 163.0)<\/p>\n Scott Wedgewood<\/a> entered the season as part of a tandem with Mackenzie Blackwood<\/a> in Colorado, but an injury designation to Blackwood to start the year opened the door for Wedgewood, and he hasn’t looked back. Wedgewood’s pristine 15-1-4 record is supported by strong underlying numbers, as the veteran currently ranks 13th overall in GSAx. By making the most of his opportunity, Wedgewood is now looking like a legitimate 1A option on one of the league’s strongest teams.<\/p>\n 1.\u00a0\u00a0 Jesper Wallstedt<\/a>, Minnesota Wild (ADP: 168.8)<\/p>\n Jesper Wallstedt<\/a> began the season backing up Filip Gustavsson<\/a> in Minny, but so far, he’s emerged as both one of the season’s biggest surprises and one of the league’s top goalies. With an impeccable 10-1-2 record and elite efficiency metrics, Wallstedt has exhibited remarkable calmness and control whenever he takes the crease. For Zero G enthusiasts, Jesper Wallstedt<\/a> is the cream of the crop.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n