Top 5 Goalies to Watch at the Olympic Men's Hockey Tournament

Strong goaltending could be the difference between gold and silver in Milan

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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With so many talented rosters competing at the 2026 Olympic men's hockey tournament in Milan, the performance of elite goaltenders could be the deciding factor in determining the gold medal winner. This article highlights five top goalies to watch, including Connor Hellebuyck of the USA, Lukas Dostal of Czechia, Logan Thompson of Canada, Filip Gustavsson of Sweden, and Philipp Grubauer of Germany.

Why it matters

Goaltending has historically been a key factor in determining success at the Olympic hockey tournament. With several teams boasting impressive rosters, the play of these top netminders could give their nations a crucial edge and be the difference between winning gold or silver.

The details

Connor Hellebuyck of the USA is coming off a stellar NHL season where he won his third Vezina Trophy and the Hart Trophy as league MVP, but he'll be looking to prove himself on the Olympic stage after coming up short in previous high-pressure situations. Lukas Dostal of Czechia has been red-hot heading into the Olympics, posting a .930 save percentage in his last nine starts for the Anaheim Ducks. Logan Thompson of Canada has been one of the NHL's best goalies this season, ranking among the league leaders in save percentage and goals-against average. Sweden brings a strong goaltending duo in Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild. And Philipp Grubauer of Germany has revived his career this season with the Seattle Kraken and could be an X-factor for his nation.

  • The 2026 Olympic men's hockey tournament will take place in Milan, Italy.

The players

Connor Hellebuyck

Goaltender for the USA and the Winnipeg Jets, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the 2022-23 NHL MVP.

Lukas Dostal

Goaltender for Czechia and the Anaheim Ducks, who has been one of the NHL's hottest goalies heading into the Olympics.

Logan Thompson

Goaltender for Canada and the Washington Capitals, ranked among the NHL's leaders in save percentage and goals-against average this season.

Filip Gustavsson

Goaltender for Sweden and the Minnesota Wild, part of a strong Swedish goaltending duo along with Jesper Wallstedt.

Philipp Grubauer

Goaltender for Germany and the Seattle Kraken, who has revived his NHL career this season and could be an X-factor for his nation.

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What they’re saying

“Any hockey fan knows that Hellebuyck is as good as anybody between the pipes when he's in the zone. That could be the recipe for the Americans as they look for their first Olympic men's hockey gold medal since 1980.”

— Andre Leal, Author (usatoday.com)

The takeaway

With several elite goaltenders set to compete at the 2026 Olympic men's hockey tournament in Milan, their performances in net could be the deciding factor in determining which nations reach the medal podium. These top netminders will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage and lead their teams to glory.