Fantasy: 5 goalies who could become studs this season

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Goaltending is often the most difficult position to fill in fantasy. Netminders tend to fluctuate in performance from year-to-year for a variety of reasons, and it's tough to know when to reach for one or when to wait and see what's available later in the draft.

The following puck-stoppers could help you solve that issue. Here are five goalies who may not stand out as top picks but could become studs in the crease this season.

Igor Shesterkin, G, Rangers Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The hockey world got a small glimpse of Shesterkin's capabilities when his NHL debut catalyzed a late-season Rangers' run, helping the club secure a playoff berth. Shesterkin posted a 10-2-0 record with a .932 save percentage throughout his rookie campaign in New York after dominating in Russia for several seasons.

Alexandar Georgiev has shown flashes of promising play, but Shesterkin will have a chance to prove he's the team's No. 1 goaltender right off the bat. If the Russian netminder continues to excel and the Rangers can take another step forward this season, there's no second-guessing Shesterkin's status as a stud between the pipes.

Ilya Sorokin, G, Islanders NHL Images / National Hockey League / Getty

New York could become home to not one, but two future Russian stars in goal. Unlike Shesterkin, we haven't seen Sorokin play in North America. However, the 25-year-old's potential is sky-high when considering his all-world numbers overseas and how he'll be sliding into the Islanders' smothering defensive system.

Sorokin, a five-time KHL All-Star, was named KHL goaltender of the year in 2016 and captured the Gagarin Cup along with Playoff MVP honors in 2019. The puck-stopper will likely split time this season with Semyon Varlamov - which could slightly reduce his fantasy value - but if we're talking stud potential, Sorokin has it all.

Thatcher Demko, G, Canucks Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / Getty

Demko turned heads during his incredible playoff run with the Vancouver Canucks last season, and he'll likely get the chance to secure the No. 1 role in 2020-21. The 25-year-old posted an absurd .985 save percentage and allowed just two goals across four appearances in the bubble against the Vegas Golden Knights. Demko proved his ceiling is elite, and he'll be looking to recapture his playoff form in a contract year.

There's one risk when it comes to Demko: He's not the clear-cut No. 1 just yet. The Canucks inked goalie Braden Holtby to a two-year, $8.6M deal, a number suggesting Vancouver didn't sign the veteran to sit on the bench. That said, each netminder's numbers have trended in opposite directions, with Demko on the rise and Holtby suited for more of a backup role at this stage in his career.

Linus Ullmark, G, Sabres Glenn James / National Hockey League / Getty

Do you believe in the Buffalo Sabres? If the answer is yes, Ullmark could be your guy. The Swedish goaltender posted a commendable .915 save percentage and a 5.39 goals saved above average for a club that finished 25th in 2019-20. With a much-improved roster this year, Ullmark will play behind the best Sabres team he's been a part of - and his individual numbers should benefit.

The 27-year-old is also an unrestricted free agent after this season, which should provide him with extra motivation. After Carter Hutton's disastrous campaign in goal last season, the starting job will be Ullmark's to lose. If Buffalo can finally turn the corner, it's hard to see Ullmark not being a strong starting fantasy puck-stopper.

Ilya Samsonov, G, Capitals Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Samsonov enjoyed a solid rookie campaign for the Capitals in 2019-20, but since he's now the club's clear No. 1 option, the Russian will have a chance to author a tremendous sophomore season that could make a major impact on your fantasy team.

The 23-year-old only appeared in 26 games last year - authoring a 2.55 goals-against average and .913 save percentage - but he'll see a dramatic uptick in usage during the upcoming campaign. Samsonov will suit up for one of the league's elite franchises, which also increases his value. Washington seems poised for another winning season, and Samsonov should reap all the statistical benefits that typically accompany prolonged success.

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