Goalies' Puck-Handling Skills Provide Big Boost

NHL goalies' ability to make decisive, accurate plays can help change the outcome of a game.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:00am

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NHL goalies are increasingly valued for their puck-handling abilities, which go beyond just making highlight-reel passes or scoring goals. Goalies like Alex Nedeljkovic and Jake Allen emphasize the importance of making short, crisp passes to their defensemen to cleanly exit the defensive zone, rather than attempting long, risky passes. Effective puck-handling also requires reading the forecheck and communicating with defensemen to be on the same page. While flashy plays grab attention, the true value of a puck-handling goalie is in making simple, efficient plays to support their team.

Why it matters

As the game of hockey has become faster, goalies who can handle the puck and make smart, quick decisions have become increasingly valuable. Puck-handling skills allow goalies to alleviate pressure on their defensemen, create transition opportunities, and generally make their team more effective in moving the puck out of the defensive zone.

The details

NHL goalies like Alex Nedeljkovic and Jake Allen have developed reputations for their puck-handling abilities. They stress that precise, short passes to their defensemen are more important than long, highlight-reel worthy passes. Goalies need to be able to read the forecheck and communicate with their teammates to make the right play at the right time. Simply being able to shoot or pass the puck hard is not enough - goalies need to have the vision and anticipation to make the smart play.

  • Nedeljkovic scored an empty-net goal last season, one of only 11 NHL goalies to ever do so.
  • Pekka Rinne, Nedeljkovic's predecessor in Nashville, was known as one of the league's most aggressive goalies at playing the puck behind the net.

The players

Alex Nedeljkovic

A 30-year-old goaltender for the San Jose Sharks, known for his ability to accurately shoot and pass the puck long distances.

Jake Allen

A 13-year NHL veteran goaltender for the New Jersey Devils, who emphasizes the importance of short, crisp passes to his defensemen.

Yaroslav Askarov

A rookie goaltender for the San Jose Sharks, who is learning to improve his puck-handling and communication with defensemen.

Juuse Saros

The Nashville Predators' goaltender, who describes himself as "average" with the puck but has learned from his predecessor Pekka Rinne, known as an aggressive puck-handler.

Jordan Binnington

The Canadian national team goaltender, whose willingness to play the puck and make plays was a key part of Team Canada's success.

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What they’re saying

“You see highlights of guys like [New York Rangers goalie Igor] Shesterkin sending breakout passes or stretch passes to the far blue and that's great, and if guys are aware and know it's coming, it works. But I also think a majority of guys handling pucks behind their net are just getting it over to the 'D' or making quick plays and it's more about being crisp, clean and decisive on what you're going to do.”

— Alex Nedeljkovic, San Jose Sharks goaltender

“There's nothing worse as a goalie than waiting to make a pass and having both the opponent and your teammate skate right at you. Communication is key, with a series of calls designed around simple plays like a "leave," "up" or "over" to keep goalies and defensemen on the same page in the face of a forecheck.”

— Jake Allen, New Jersey Devils goaltender

“I can shoot the puck really high and really hard, but I am trying to make more short passes, cut off one player, maybe two players, and that's reads and learning.”

— Yaroslav Askarov, San Jose Sharks rookie goaltender

What’s next

As the NHL season progresses, it will be interesting to see how goalies like Nedeljkovic, Allen, Askarov, and Saros continue to develop their puck-handling skills and communication with their defensemen. Their ability to make quick, smart plays with the puck could be a key factor in their teams' success.

The takeaway

Effective puck-handling is an increasingly valuable skill for NHL goalies, as it allows them to support their defensemen, create transition opportunities, and generally make their team more efficient in moving the puck out of the defensive zone. While flashy plays grab attention, the true value of a puck-handling goalie is in making simple, crisp passes and reads to keep the game moving in their team's favor.