#6: Alexandar Georgiev, Colorado Avalanche
2021-22 Stats: 15-10-2 Record, 33 Games, 2.92 GAA, .898 Save %, 2 Shutouts
Yes, it feels very strange for me to rank the current Stanley Cup champs and heavy favorites to repeat in 2022-23 so low at goaltender. However, the Avalanche will be fine even with sub-par goaltending because they’re just absolutely loaded both offensively and defensively.
Georgiev is getting his prime opportunity to be the main starter between the pipes after backing up Igor Shesterkin on the New York Rangers last season. Georgiev had played his entire NHL career with the Rangers going back to 2017-18 when he had nine starts.
There are too many accomplished veterans in the Central Division for me to put Georgiev any higher, although I do think he has a high ceiling and should benefit from an outstanding defensive team in front of him.
Georgiev’s career high is only 32 starts, and he should surpass that unless he stumbles out of the gate and forces the Avalanche to turn back to Pavel Francouz who has already illustrated he’s a trusted backup.
Again, the Avalanche aren’t as reliant on elite goaltending as say, the Nashville Predators are. So they’ll be dangerous either way. But Georgiev’s ascension into being a quality starter will make the Avalanche even more unstoppable than they already are.