How Can the Golden Knights Improve Their Goaltending in 2026-27?
Last season left plenty of Vegas Golden Knights fans frustrated with the team’s performance in net. Although the numbers may not have looked disastrous at first glance, a closer look revealed some serious concerns about the team’s goaltending.
Vegas finished 12th in the NHL in goals-against average at 2.95, which appears respectable. However, the Golden Knights ranked 28th in the league in team save percentage at .884. Even more concerning, not one of their goaltenders finished the season with a save percentage above .900.
Akira Schmid came closest to reaching that mark, but the Golden Knights traded him to the Florida Panthers during the offseason. That move left Vegas with fewer proven options heading into the new season.
Carl Lindbom remains in the organization, but he has limited NHL experience. During his opportunities last season, he posted a 3.00 goals-against average and a .873 save percentage. Those numbers suggest that the young goaltender still has plenty of development ahead of him before he can be considered a reliable NHL option.
That leaves Carter Hart and Adin Hill as the team’s primary goaltending options. Hart had a solid postseason run that carried him all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, but his performance was not without problems. Defensive breakdowns and giveaways in front of him made his job considerably more difficult.
Hill, meanwhile, struggled significantly when the pressure increased. After entering the season with expectations of being a dependable option in net, his performance ultimately became a major concern for the Golden Knights.
So, what can Vegas do to improve its goaltending situation? The answer may involve a combination of better team defense, improved health and stronger performances from the goaltenders themselves.
How the Golden Knights Can Improve Their Goaltending in 2026-27
One of the biggest factors in determining whether Vegas can turn its goaltending around will be the team’s defensive play. The Golden Knights need to return to the fundamentals that previously made them difficult to attack.
That means blocking more shots, limiting dangerous chances and doing a better job of taking away shooting lanes. If Vegas can consistently prevent opponents from generating high-quality opportunities, the pressure on its goaltenders will naturally decrease.
Defensive consistency, however, is only part of the equation. Health could be just as important.
The Golden Knights have dealt with significant injury problems in net, particularly with Hill. Lower-body injuries have repeatedly affected his availability and ability to perform at his best. When Hill is healthy, he has demonstrated that he can be an effective NHL goaltender, but staying healthy has become an ongoing challenge.
Hart also experienced lower-body issues during the regular season, including an injury suffered against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Losing either goaltender for extended periods puts additional pressure on the rest of the group.
For Vegas, having both Hart and Hill healthy could make a major difference. A healthy goaltending tandem would give the team greater stability and allow the coaching staff to manage the workload more effectively.
Hill’s health is especially important. His history of lower-body injuries has affected more than just his availability. Those issues can also influence his movement inside the crease, potentially slowing his reactions and limiting his ability to get across the net quickly.
Vegas Needs More From Its Goaltenders
The Golden Knights enter the 2026-27 season with goaltending among the areas that could generate the most concern. The talent is there for the group to improve, but several things will need to go right.
Vegas needs its defense to become more disciplined, while Hart and Hill must stay healthy and perform consistently. Lindbom could also play an important role if he continues developing and proves capable of handling more NHL responsibility.
The Golden Knights may receive some help from outside the organization if they decide to make a move during the season. However, the team’s best path forward starts with the players already in the crease.
If Vegas can stay healthy, limit defensive mistakes and get stronger performances from its goaltenders, the group has a chance to rebound from a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. A little luck would certainly help, but ultimately, the Golden Knights will need their goaltending group to deliver when the team needs it most.
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