Rookie Watch: Dobes, Wallstedt among top 1st-year goalies

Canadiens' 5th-round pick in 2020 Draft finishing strong; No. 20 choice by Wild in 2021 backing up Gustavsson

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:00am

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The impact several rookies are making on the NHL is one of the major storylines of the 2025-26 season. This week, NHL.com examines the top five rookie goalies, including Yaroslav Askarov of the San Jose Sharks, Jakub Dobes of the Montreal Canadiens, Jacob Fowler of the Montreal Canadiens, Arturs Silovs of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild.

Why it matters

Rookie goalies are playing a significant role in shaping the 2025-26 NHL season, with several first-year netminders making an impact for their teams. This story highlights the standout performances of these young goalies and the impact they are having on their respective franchises.

The details

Yaroslav Askarov of the San Jose Sharks is second among rookie goalies in wins (21-18-3) and first in games played (44; all starts), with a 3.56 goals-against average and .886 save percentage. Jakub Dobes of the Montreal Canadiens ranks first among rookie goalies in wins (27-8-4) and second in shots against (1,078) and saves (974), with a 2.73 GAA and .904 save percentage in 39 games. Jacob Fowler, Dobes' teammate, is 8-6-2 with a 2.52 GAA, .904 save percentage and one shutout in 16 games. Arturs Silovs of the Pittsburgh Penguins is 19-10-8 with a 2.99 GAA and .891 save percentage with two shutouts in 37 games. Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild is 16-8-6 with a 2.67 GAA, .914 save percentage and four shutouts in 32 games.

  • Askarov sustained a lower-body injury during a March 12 morning skate and missed seven games before returning March 26.
  • Dobes was named the Canadiens Molson Cup recipient for March after being chosen first star of the game three times (March 24 and 29 against the Carolina Hurricanes, and March 31 against the Tampa Bay Lightning) and second star twice.
  • Fowler was recalled from Laval on Dec. 9 after going 10-5-0 with a 2.09 GAA and .919 save percentage.
  • Silovs was traded to the Penguins on July 13, 2025, for Chase Stillman and a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
  • Wallstedt was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for November after going 6-0-0 with a League-best 1.14 GAA, .967 save percentage and three shutouts in six games.

The players

Yaroslav Askarov

A 23-year-old goaltender for the San Jose Sharks who was drafted 11th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2020 and traded to the Sharks in 2024. He has a 3.56 goals-against average and .886 save percentage in 44 games this season.

Jakub Dobes

A 24-year-old goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens who was drafted in the 5th round (136th overall) by the Canadiens in 2020. He has a 27-8-4 record with a 2.73 goals-against average and .904 save percentage in 39 games this season.

Jacob Fowler

A 21-year-old goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens who was drafted in the 3rd round (69th overall) by the Canadiens in 2023. He is 8-6-2 with a 2.52 goals-against average and .904 save percentage in 16 games this season.

Arturs Silovs

A 25-year-old goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins who was drafted in the 6th round (156th overall) by the Vancouver Canucks in 2019 and traded to the Penguins in 2025. He is 19-10-8 with a 2.99 goals-against average and .891 save percentage in 37 games this season.

Jesper Wallstedt

A 22-year-old goaltender for the Minnesota Wild who was drafted 20th overall by the Wild in 2021. He is 16-8-6 with a 2.67 goals-against average, .914 save percentage and four shutouts in 32 games this season.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like the confidence was always there but now I'm just feeling comfortable, feeling good, and playing good hockey. I'm used to the buildings, player tendencies, and that just comes with experience. I feel like I can be even better and happy with my progress. I know the (Stanley Cup Playoffs) is going to be a different element, so I just have to keep working.”

— Jakub Dobes, Goaltender, Montreal Canadiens

“You're always chasing perfection, knowing you're not going to get it. That's what keeps it exciting.”

— Jacob Fowler, Goaltender, Montreal Canadiens

“I'm just working hard. It's hard to win in this league and everyone understands that. I think guys have been clicking really well. Having a goalie partner like (Stuart Skinner) has given (me) confidence. I think we have pretty good chemistry. At practice we lift up each other up, and the camaraderie is to the next level.”

— Arturs Silovs, Goaltender, Pittsburgh Penguins

The takeaway

The strong performances of these rookie goalies have been a major storyline in the 2025-26 NHL season, with several young netminders making an impact for their teams. Their success highlights the depth of talent coming up through the league and the bright future for goaltending in the NHL.