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The 4 Nations Face Off event this season promises to showcase the NHL's finest talent, with players representing their native countries. Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland will compete in this prestigious tournament, fielding star-studded lineups at every position.
While superstars like Cale Makar, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon have already confirmed their participation for Team Canada, there are question marks about who could start in goal for the Canadian side.
So, let’s take a look at five options to start for Team Canada in the upcoming 4 Nations Face Off.
5 NHL goalies Team Canada could consider starting for 4 Nations Face Off
#5. Sam Montembeault
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Sam Montembeault has emerged as the clear number-one starting goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens. He has performed admirably this season, helping the Habs to a 2-4-1 record.
Montembeault has appeared in five games so far, posting a 2-1 record with a 3.16 GAA and a .909 SV%. He notably shut out the Toronto Maple Leafs in his first start of the season. Considering the relatively thin blue line in front of him, Montembeault has played much better than his numbers suggest.
#4. Adin Hill
Adin Hill's stellar performance during the Vegas Golden Knights' 2023 Stanley Cup run earned him the starting role for the following season. In 2023-24, Hill started 35 games, posting a 2.71 GAA and a .909 SV%.
However, Hill has experienced a somewhat slow start to this season, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.81 GAA and an .851 SV%. Despite this, Hill has proven his ability to be a reliable starter throughout his career. With a talented Team Canada defensive corps supporting him, Hill could potentially exceed his career NHL statistics.
#3. Marc-Andre Fleury
Marc-Andre Fieury, the three-time Stanley Cup champion has proven that he still has what it takes to be a successful NHL netminder. At 39, Fleury mainly plays a backup role for the Minnesota Wild. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective in a short-term tournament.
The biggest advantage to having Fleury backstop Team Canada lies in his experience. Fleury is by far the most experienced active Canadian goaltender. As such, Fleury can inspire confidence in his blue line throughout the tournament.
#2. Jordan Binnington
Jordan Binnington has already represented Canada in international tournaments such as the IIHF World Championship. Like Fleury and Hill, Binnington has a Stanley Cup to his name, having led the St. Louis Blues on their unexpected 2019 run.
Known for his solid goaltending and competitive edge, Binnington can instill confidence in Team Canada and handle the workload during the 4 Nations Face Off.
#1. Stuart Skinner
Edmonton Oilers' Stuart Skinner is another strong candidate for Team Canada. While he may not have a Vezina Trophy or a Stanley Cup to his name, his impressive performance in the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars last year showcased his ability to compete at the highest level.
Skinner's career statistics of 2.73 GAA and .908 SV% are respectable and reflect his ability to perform effectively with adequate support. Considering the talented roster playing in front of him, Skinner should have no trouble handling the pressure at the 4 Nations Face Off.
