Tier A – Possible NHL Goalie, Chance at Starter
1. Spencer Knight / L / APR 01 / USDP / USHL
Big frame, big athleticism as the combine showed. Deliberate and long movements. Does a bit too much in his footwork and puck handling. Would like to see more economy and tougher competition. Good aggressiveness, good focus. Mainly high-danger chances and long periods of no shots this year made it hard to be consistent, and judge Knight’s consistency.
2. Pyotr Kochetkov / L / JUN 99 / HK Ryazan / VHL
Calm in net with fluid motions. Handles back-door plays well because of his strong base and good leg extension. I like how he controls and almost patrols his crease and how his competitive nature helped him beat goalies out for national time.
3. Hugo Alnefelt / L / JUN 01 / HV71 / SuperElit
Alnefelt has his doubters but he’s big, he’s athletic, he does well in his age group, and is first year eligible. It’s hard to see him not be included in the first handful of goalies selected. I usually rate HV71 goalies high (Felix Sandstrom, Adam Ahman). Alnefelt tends to overcommit short side but that’s fixable. Hopefully.
4. Ilya Konovalov / L / JUL 98 / Lokomotiv Yaroslavl / KHL
Konovalov had big numbers, big press year in the KHL. His lateral movement and no-quit allow him to steal goals and break hearts. He’s almost 21, but that’s when Bobrovsky came over to Philadelphia. See too much promise in his attacking style to pass up if I need goalie help relatively soon. Better than bidding on the open market.
5. Amir Miftakhov / L / APR 00 / Irbis Kazan / MHL
My favorite goalie in this class. Miftakhov manages the game with his rebounds and freezes the puck mindfully. Smarts and positioning are pluses, and he may be the smartest goalie in the draft. The ability to read his opponent’s intentions makes up for his shorter frame, as does a quick glove. He could see more national duty in his development.