Four NHL Backup Goalies Who Could Earn Starter Duties in 2024-25

Heading into the 2024-25 season, most NHL clubs have at least a strong idea of who their starting goalies will be. 

That said, some backups around the NHL could make real cases for starting jobs next season. Let's take a look at four of them now. 

After an impressive 2023-24 season with the Winnipeg Jets, Laurent Brossoit earned a two-year, $6.6-million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. 

In 23 games with the Jets, he posted a 15-5-2 record, a 2.00 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. It is hard to expect anything more from a backup.

After a campaign like this, Brossoit should challenge Petr Mrazek for the Blackhawks' starting job next season. Mrazek performed well as the Blackhawks' starter last season, recording a .908 save percentage in 56 games. However, while Mrazek was solid, there's potentially room for Brossoit to outperform him and take the No. 1 spot. 

The Anaheim Ducks are entering next season with questions regarding their goaltending. 

John Gibson has long been the subject of trade speculation and had a career-worst .888 save percentage in 46 games last season. Backup Lukas Dostal could have a real chance of taking a greater share of the crease next season. 

Dostal, 24, appeared in a career-high 44 games last season with the Ducks, recording a 3.33 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. Dostal notably appeared in six games in April, while Gibson played in just one. The prospect of Dostal being a 1A and Gibson of 1B as a result is worth considering.

Anthony Stolarz had a stellar season as the Florida Panthers' backup and earned a two-year, $5-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs because of it. The Stanley Cup champion will now provide the Maple Leafs with an experienced netminder to work in tandem with 25-year-old Joseph Woll.

The idea of Stolarz getting a hot streak and earning more starts than Woll shouldn't be overlooked. He could make a real case for himself if he carries over his success from last season to Toronto. This will be especially so if Woll experiences some growing pains as he continues to adjust to the NHL. Remember, Woll only has 36 career NHL regular-season games on his resume.

Semyon Varlamov could repeat what he did this past season. 

The 36-year-old notably took over the starter gig from star goaltender Ilya Sorokin right before and during the New York Islanders' playoff run. 

While the Islanders lost in the first round, Varlamov played well, posting a .914 save percentage in five games.

Islanders coach Patrick Roy has shown he is not afraid to make bold changes. While Sorokin can be a legitimate star goaltender, Varlamov has a real shot of being the club's No. 1 guy if his hot play carries over to next season. It will be an interesting storyline to watch during training camp and onward.