The final position has come to cover for the upcoming 2018 NHL Draft. Due to the number of eligible goalies available and my low confidence in judging the position, the list has been cut down to the top 10.
#1.) Jakub Skarek, Jihlava (Extraliga)
A strong glove and reflexes resulted in fantastic numbers for Skarek as a teenager in Extraliga. Disappointing play during the World Juniors, but consistent and reliable since last year in Extraliga.
#2.) Olivier Rodrigue, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
Quick legs along with strong rebound control. Put up decent numbers in a high scoring league in the QMJHL. Makes highlight reel saves.
#3.) Kevin Mandolese, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
Mandolese is a super athletic goalie that covers the bottom of the net well since he plays rather far into the crease. Developed quality rebound control with Cape Breton.
#4.) Alexis Gravel, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Stands tall in the crease at 6’3” and 222 lbs. A smart, technical, and aggressive goalie. He is aggressive when covering his crease, but rarely goes out to play the puck. Uses his height to his advantage to cover the top of the net.
#5.) Amir Miftakhov, Irbis Kazan (MHL)
Moves through the crease smoothly and with lightning quick speed in both his legs and his glove. Makes some strong recoveries but can stay tight to his crease.
#6.) Lukas Dostal, Kometa Brno U20 (Extraliga)
An agile and confident goalie that moves post-to-post effortlessly. Can sometimes over commit to short angle shots but does have the recovery skills to make up for a lapse in coverage.
#7.) Justus Annunen, Karpat U20 (SM-Liiga)
A very wide frame at 6’4” and 217 lbs. that aides him well due to his stable and comfortable positioning in the crease. Takes very few risks in the crease but does cover all angles extremely well.
#8.) Keegan Karki, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Another big goalie that covers a lot of net. Not great numbers in the USHL, but is developing quickness to his game.
#9.) Jacob Ingham, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Ingham stays rather deep in the crease and despite his large and tall frame, covers the bottom of the net really well. Spreads well but does move with any urgency in the crease.
#10.) Olof Lindbom, Djugardens J20 (Superelit)
Very good rebound control and confidence in the crease even though he has a smaller frame for this draft. Moves post-to-post on a dime and covers the cross ice pass with excellence.