With the NHL’s first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off tournament hitting the ice on February 12, Team Canada is expected to be stacked with big names like McDavid, Crosby, McKinnon, and Makar leading the pack.
Sure, their offensive strength is undeniable, but Canada faces a unique challenge — a wide-open crease with no clear frontrunner.
Unlike previous international tournaments where the Great White North could rely on a proven No. 1 goalie like Carey Price or Roberto Luongo between the pipes, this year’s crop lacks an established international starter.
Back in February, Daily Hive ranked seven potential goaltending candidates for Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster based on their potential impact. Stuart Skinner, Adin Hill, and Tristan Jarry topped the list, with Logan Thompson, Devon Levi, Samuel Montembeault, and Jordan Binnington following closely behind.
The problem? None of those goaltenders have firmly cemented themselves as a go-to option in the months leading up to the event. When looking at the NHL’s current list of leaders in SV%, all seven fall outside the league’s top 24.
So, with a cavalcade of (underwhelming) options, what is Canada to do? Fortunately, there’s still time to decide. With the 4 Nations Face-Off taking place in less than 100 days, general managers have about a month to finalize their rosters.
In the meantime, they’ll have to keep their fingers crossed, hoping at least one Canadian netminder stands out from the rest.
For context, there are currently 10 Canadian goalies considered to be NHL starters. Here’s how each has performed this season, along with their chances of making Team Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
1. Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues)
Record: 4-5-0
SV%: .904
GAA: 2.77
A Stanley Cup winner in 2019, Jordan Binnington appears to be the best bet to crack Team Canada’s lineup. The 31-year-old has big-game experience but has also had a mediocre start to the season, putting his potential international starter role in jeopardy.
2. Stuart Skinner (Edmonton Oilers)
Record: 3-4-1
SV%: .903
GAA: 2.87
Stuart Skinner has shown promise in recent seasons, leading the Edmonton Oilers to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. But he will need to step up his game to get the No. 1 job for the national team.
3. Logan Thompson (Washington Capitals)
Record: 6-0-0
SV%: .903
GAA: 2.81
With six wins in six games, Washington Capitals netminder Logan Thompson has been solid so far this season. While the 27-year-old Calgary native has never suited up for more than 46 games in a single campaign, his hot streak could land him a job backstopping his country this winter.
4. Samuel Montembeault (Montreal Canadiens)
Record: 3-5-1
SV%: .897
GAA: 3.37
Claimed off waivers by the Canadiens in 2021, Samuel Montembeault has since established himself as Montreal’s starting goalie for the foreseeable future.
He’s also shone on the international stage, posting a 6-1 record with Team Canada at the 2023 World Championships, where he helped secure a gold medal with an impressive .939 save percentage and a 1.42 GAA.
If the 28-year-old improves in the stat column, he could earn a nod as one of Canada’s backups at the tournament, which will be partially held in Montreal.
5. Adin Hill (Vegas Golden Knights)
Record: 6-2-0
SV%: .882
GAA: 3.01
Despite a less-than-stellar save percentage early in the season, Adin Hill’s Stanley Cup-winning experience with Vegas back in 2023 keeps him in the conversation for Team Canada.
Known for stepping up in big games, he has the potential to make an impact if he can bring his playoff form to the international stage.
6. Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings)
Record: 4-0-3
SV%: .899
GAA: 2.67
Like a few other goalies on our list, Kings netminder Darcy Kuemper knows what it takes to carry his team to the ultimate prize.
The 34-year-old’s decent start to the season with Los Angeles shows he still has gas in the tank. If he keeps it up and Canada remains strapped for options, he could be a safe bet.
7. Cam Talbot (Detroit Red Wings)
Record: 4-1-1
SV%: .929
GAA: 2.45
As the oldest goalie on our list, Cam Talbot has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his 10-season career.
Currently off to a strong start with Detroit, the 36-year-old brings experience and consistency to the table — two traits Canada might need in a high-stakes tournament.
8. Connor Ingram (Utah Hockey Club)
Record: 5-2-3
SV%: .881
GAA: 3.57
While he wasn’t on our list of Olympic candidates, Connor Ingram is one name that should be on Team Canada ahead of the tournament.
However, his early season stats are far from ideal, meaning he’ll have to log a significant improvement for management to give him a proper look.
9. Tristan Jarry (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Record: 1-1-0
SV%: .836
GAA: 5.47
Tristan Jarry’s early-season numbers aren’t pretty, but with only a couple of games under his belt, it’s too soon to rule him out. At 29, he’s been a steady presence for the Penguins, posting a save percentage of .903 or better in each of the last five seasons. If he finds his usual form, he could still make a case for himself on Canada’s roster.
10. Mackenzie Blackwood (San Jose Sharks)
Record: 4-1-1
SV%: .894
GAA: 3.52
He may not be flashy but Mackenzie Blackwood remains a goaltender with potential.
Making the national team is a long shot, but if the 27-year-old finds his rhythm, he could make for an experienced option with something to prove.