Here are three NHL goalies who look ready to have breakout years in 2026-27.
With the NHL season quickly approaching, there are plenty of up-and-coming players preparing to take their game to new heights.
Recently, we here at TheHockeyNews.com looked at three forward breakout candidates and three defenseman breakout candidates for the 2026-27 season.
Now, in the final installment of this three-part series, let's discuss three NHL goalies who have the potential to have breakout years in 2026-27.
Jacob Fowler, Montreal Canadiens
Jacob Fowler is undoubtedly a breakout candidate to watch for this upcoming season. The 21-year-old has incredibly high upside and had a strong first NHL season with the Canadiens in 2025-26.
In 17 NHL games, Fowler posted a 9-6-2 record, a .908 save percentage, a 2.43 goals-against average, and recorded one shutout. With numbers like these, the 2023 third-round pick demonstrated that he is ready for the NHL. Now, he will be looking to take another big step forward with Montreal in 2026-27.
The Melbourne, Florida native posted a 19-7-1 record, a .916 save percentage, a 2.23 goals-against average, and three shutouts in 27 games with the AHL-affiliated Laval Rocket. This kind of excellent play in the AHL last season only adds to his case as a breakout candidate for next season.
Devon Levi, Edmonton Oilers
Devon Levi got a much-needed fresh start earlier this off-season when he was traded to the Oilers by the Buffalo Sabres. The 24-year-old was completely blocked from the Sabres' roster last season, as Alex Lyon, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Colten Ellis were all ahead of him on the depth chart.
However, now that Levi has gotten a change of scenery on an Edmonton Oilers team that needs goalie help badly, it would not be surprising if he takes that next step in 2026-27. The potential for Levi to break out is undeniable.
In 52 games last season with the Rochester Americans, Levi posted a 23-20-9 record, a 2.83 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage. He also had a .919 save percentage in 42 games with the Amerks in 2024-25, so he has shown good upside.
Arturs Silovs, Pittsburgh Penguins
With the Pittsburgh Penguins parting ways with goalie Stuart Skinner, Arturs Silovs is expected to be the new starting goalie and will look to take a step forward with his development because of it.
Silovs had up-and-down moments last season with the Penguins, posting a 19-12-8 record, an .887 save percentage, and a 3.07 goals-against average in 39 appearances.
Although, he was excellent when used during the playoffs by the Penguins, posting a 2-1 record, a 1.52 goals-against average, and a .939 save percentage. He also stopped 31 out of 32 shots he faced against the Philadelphia Flyers in Pittsburgh's Game 6 series loss.
Now, Silovs will be aiming to build off his strong post-season during the 2026-27 campaign with Pittsburgh. The possibility of the 2025 AHL playoff MVP hitting a new level for the Penguins is there.
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