2026 NCAA Free Agent Rankings: Goaltenders
The NCAA free-agent class for goaltenders isn’t particularly deep, but there are a handful of players whose size alone will earn them longer looks from NHL teams.
That said, there are no slam-dunk signings in this group. I’ve identified seven potential NHL free-agent targets, and it wouldn’t be surprising if most — or even all — of them return to college hockey next season, with the obvious exception of one senior.
In addition to the seven goaltenders who merit legitimate free-agent consideration, there are four additional names worth monitoring closely.
Also in today’s newsletter (#645):
Brown appears to be narrowing its head-coaching search, with some candidates already informed they are out of the running.
If you didn’t catch Canada vs. Czechia this morning, you missed a terrific hockey game.
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2026 NCAA Free Agent Rankings: Goaltenders
Before diving into these lists, it’s important to clarify what they are — and what they are not. This is not a “best at the position” ranking. There may be players with stronger statistical profiles or résumés that merit consideration for awards such as the Mike Richter or Hobey Baker, but that’s not the intent here.
Instead, these rankings reflect the players I believe are most likely to draw interest this spring as undrafted NHL free agents. By definition, that means all drafted players have been excluded. It also means that certain factors outside a player’s control — size being a prime example — can influence how much NHL attention they receive, regardless of performance.
Ultimately, these lists represent the players I feel will generate the most NHL interest, based on my own personal viewings, as well as conversations with NHL scouts and front office executives about which players they expect to target this spring.
(1) Max Lundgren, Jr., Merrimack
Lundgren has played every minute for Merrimack this season, posting a .919 save percentage over 1,700 minutes. What will make him particularly attractive to NHL teams isn’t just the raw numbers, but the frame — at 6-foot-5, he checks a significant box at the pro level.
Having watched Lundgren extensively this season, the most impressive aspect of his game is his ability to make the first save and eliminate second chances. Rebounds are rarely an issue, and when they do occur, they’re typically steered to low-danger areas where opposing teams struggle to generate follow-up opportunities.
Lundgren currently ranks second in Hockey East in goals saved above expected (GSAx), trailing only Tyler Muszelik (UConn). He’s 11th nationally in that category.
The bottom line: his combination of size, technical ability, and performance in Hockey East this season should present him with some NHL opportunities. That said, I don’t think anything is a slam dunk with any of these goalies. There remains a realistic chance that he returns to college for his senior year.
