Top 3 NHL Free-Agent Goalies Available

The upcoming 2024-25 season has some interesting free-agent players left.

We’ve already discussed the top centers, wingers, and defenders available. Now, it’s time to look at goalies.

While the selection is slim, there are still a few experienced goaltenders who could be valuable additions to any team.

Kevin Lankinen

Lankinen stands out as the best goalie still on the market. Some might disagree, but that’s okay; opinions vary. Last season, he had a solid performance with a 17-11-6 record, .908 save percentage (SV%), and 2.82 goals-against average (GAA) in 24 games. Impressively, in five of his last six starts in 2023-24, he allowed only two goals or less.

Despite his strong stats over the past two seasons (.912 SV%), he remains unsigned as of mid-August. It seems he aimed for a starting role but found no takers. Teams are finalizing their rosters now, so wherever Lankinen goes next, he’ll likely compete for a backup spot.

Given that many teams carry three goalies due to injuries or other issues during training camp, Lankinen will find a team eventually—it’s just about getting his chance to shine.

Antti Raanta

Raanta spent three years with the Hurricanes as a reliable backup. However, last season was tough for him with only a .872 SV% in 24 games and an even-strength SV% below .900. In seven games, he gave up four or more goals—not ideal for any backup goalie.

Yet in the NHL veteran goalies with some success are rare finds. Raanta’s career stats—.915 SV% and 2.48 GAA over 11 seasons—still hold weight and could earn him at least a professional tryout (PTO). Fans might wonder if he’s got another good season left in him.

Interestingly enough Raanta played crucially for Toronto when Woll was injured and Samsonov was waived last season. During one stretch of seven games he went 5-2-0 with an impressive .953 SV%, allowing just nine goals!

But then came ten rough games where his record dropped to 3-5-1 with an .863 SV%, conceding 35 goals Not exactly how you want to end your season! Despite this inconsistency Raanta’s experience—including winning a Stanley Cup as LA Kings’ backup—makes him valuable organizational depth

Martin Jones

Jones has had quite an up-and-down career He won a Stanley Cup as LA Kings’ backup before leading San Jose Sharks to another Final later on This kind of experience is invaluable even if recent performances haven’t been stellar

In conclusion what do you think? Should these veteran goalies get another shot?