EA Sports Unveils NHL 26’s Top 10 Goaltenders Ahead of Launch

With the release of NHL 26 just around the corner, EA Sports has officially revealed the Top 10 highest-rated goalies in this year’s game, giving fans an early look at some of the virtual ice’s most reliable shot-stoppers. The new rankings highlight not only the game’s dedication to authenticity but also the real-world dominance of these elite netminders heading into the 2024–25 NHL season.

NHL 26 Brings Major Upgrades for Goalies

This year’s installment introduces several key improvements aimed at making goaltending more realistic and rewarding. EA Sports has enhanced its ICE-Q system, now upgraded to ICE-Q 2.0, which uses advanced data collection and tracking to replicate the tendencies of NHL athletes in-game. Goalies, in particular, are seeing huge benefits, with over 80 new animations that capture subtle movements like pad adjustments, stick deflections, and desperation saves. These refinements are designed to make the goalie position feel more authentic and impactful than ever before.

The Top-Ranked Goalies in NHL 26

The spotlight of this reveal shines brightest on Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, who takes the crown as the highest-rated goalie with a 94 overall rating. Hellebuyck’s stellar 2024–25 season, which saw him capture both the Vezina Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy, cements his place at the top. He becomes the first goalie since Carey Price in 2015 to win the league’s MVP award, making his #1 spot in NHL 26 more than deserved.

Hot on his heels is Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning at 93 overall, known for his playoff heroics and consistent dominance. The New York market is well-represented with Igor Shesterkin (92) of the Rangers and Ilya Sorokin (91) of the Islanders taking the third and fourth spots. Rounding out the top five is Sergei Bobrovsky (90), fresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers.

Here’s the full list of NHL 26’s Top 10 Goaltenders:

1. Connor Hellebuyck – Winnipeg Jets (94)

2. Andrei Vasilevskiy – Tampa Bay Lightning (93)

3. Igor Shesterkin – New York Rangers (92)

4. Ilya Sorokin – New York Islanders (91)

5. Sergei Bobrovsky – Florida Panthers (90)

6. Jake Oettinger – Dallas Stars (90)

7. Filip Gustavsson – Minnesota Wild (89)

8. Thatcher Demko – Vancouver Canucks (88)

9. Juuse Saros – Nashville Predators (88)

10. Darcy Kuemper – Los Angeles Kings (87)

NHL 26: More Than Just Ratings

While these goalie ratings will undoubtedly fuel debate among fans, the excitement doesn’t stop there. EA Sports has confirmed major changes to the beloved Be A Pro mode, introducing a brand-new storyline complete with cinematic cutscenes, immersive draft day sequences, and fully voice-acted dialogue for the first time in series history. Choices made during conversations will carry real consequences, adding layers of drama and realism.

With gameplay upgrades, new presentation features, and a refreshed career experience, NHL 26 aims to push the franchise forward while honoring the traditions that keep hockey fans coming back each year. Players won’t have to wait long, as NHL 26 officially launches on September 12, 2025, giving fans the chance to step onto the ice and test their skills against the game’s best virtual goaltenders.