NHL 21 is a beloved video game, especially to those who enjoy and follow the sport closely. This is because it offers many game modes, while also possessing not only every NHL player but players from many different leagues too. Furthermore, it also helps that it is very exciting when it comes to its gameplay. However, it can become frustrating when the team the player is controlling does not have a reliable goalie.
Goaltending is definitely one of the most important parts of a team, no matter which game mode is being played. The slightest of differences in overall can result in the player having an elite goalie or a poor one. Therefore, it is extremely crucial to know which ones are worth acquiring, especially when it comes to Franchise Mode. They play such a huge role in the player's quest for the Stanley Cup.
Carey Price
Carey Price is one of the most polarizing goalies in the league, as he is either lights out or struggles significantly. However, the game focuses on the former though, as he possesses a 90 overall, which is among the highest ratings for the position.
If the player is looking to win a Stanley Cup fast in Franchise Mode, Price is certainly a smart option. However, the one concern with him is that he is 33-years-old, so his potential does drop early on in the simulation.
Robin Lehner
Robin Lehner is one of the top goalies in NHL 21, while also possessing a marvelous contract. With him being locked up on a 5-year, $25 million deal, it makes him very easy to afford for the long-term future.
He is also young enough where his overall does not drop off for a while in Franchise Mode. Overall, he is a very reliable option that does have the skill to carry a team to a Stanley Cup.
John Gibson
A player could never go wrong choosing John Gibson as their goalie. He not only has a high overall, but he is also is still very young and has a very affordable contract. Thus, he makes a lot of sense having on a team.
If the player opts to choose the Anaheim Ducks as their team, they have him for free. However, trading for him with another team is an option, even if it will require a lot of assets going the other way.
Ben Bishop
Ben Bishop has been one of the top goalies in the NHL for quite some time, so it makes sense that he is marvelous in NHL 21. He is an 89 overall, so he definitely is able to get the job done when put to task.
Like Price, however, he is getting up there in age and will drop off pretty quickly. Therefore, he is best to have on a team that is ready to win now, rather than the future. Nonetheless, he is spectacular for the short-term.
Jacob Markstrom
Jacob Markstrom is another goalie who has an affordable contract but also is still quite talented. As a result of this, it makes a lot of sense to have on any team because he will always offer the player the chance to win.
He is currently a member of the Calgary Flames, which definitely is a fun team to use in the game. However, to acquire him in trade, it would require a decent amount back, as he has a lot of trade value.
Tuukka Rask
Tuukka Rask has had a wonderful career, but the end may be near for him. Although this is the case, he is still an excellent goalie to use in this game, as he is among the players with the highest overalls.
He is the perfect option to use on a team that is looking to win now because of this. Also, he makes the Bruins a fun choice to use in any game mode because he will always offer stability and excellent goaltending.
Connor Hellebuyck
Connor Hellebuyck is one of the best goalies in the entire world and his 2020 Vezina Trophy makes that clear. His high level of skill translates well over the video game too, as he has a 90 overall and is basically a cheat code.
What is very intriguing about him is that his contract expires pretty early on in Franchise Mode. Thus, he becomes pretty easy to obtain via free agency. However, choosing the Winnipeg Jets from the start allows the player to have him for more of his prime years.
Jordan Binnington
Jordan Binnington is definitely a top-of-the-line goalie in the NHL, as his 2019 Stanley Cup win shows. He is a very good and steady goalie in this, but one could argue that his overall should be even higher.
Nonetheless, he is a good option to roll with, as he is still fairly young and has a good, long-term contract to match it. In real life he shows that he is clutch, so it very well can transfer over to the game, too.
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Andrei Vasilevskiy has the highest overall of all goalies in this game, which is absolutely justifiable. He was lights out for the Tampa Bay Lightning during their 2020 Stanley Cup run.
What is most intriguing about this superstar goalie is that he is still only 26-years-old, so he has a ton of time left on top. Therefore, whether you choose the Tampa Bay Lightning or try to acquire him through trade, he is worth it every single time.
Carter Hart
Carter Hart may not have the highest overall for goalies in the game, but he does have the best potential. Hart is only 22-years-old, so he will grow in overall, while also staying marvelous for at least 10 years in simulation.
He is easily among the top options to have for this position, as the long-term reward with him is the greatest. Choosing the Flyers becomes an easy decision for gamers because of this. Picking up through trade, on the other hand, will be a monstrous challenge.