Carey Price Retires, Sets Canadiens Goaltending Records

The NHL goaltending landscape in 2025 is marked by significant transitions and challenges. Carey Price, the legendary Montreal Canadiens goaltender, retired in September 2023 after a stellar career highlighted by multiple awards and franchise records, leaving a notable void for the team and the league. Meanwhile, the goalie free-agent market remains thin, with Ilya Samsonov standing out as a top available netminder who could potentially fill backup roles for teams like the Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Vancouver Canucks goalie Arturs Silovs, despite strong playoff performances, faces an uncertain future due to the extended contract of starter Thatcher Demko and limited roster opportunities, though he may get NHL chances if Demko's injury issues persist. Additionally, the NHL has changed its emergency goalie rules, now requiring each team to designate a non-professional, team-employed goalie for emergencies, effectively ending the era of ad hoc emergency goalies like David Ayres. These developments collectively reflect evolving strategies and challenges in NHL goaltending roles and depth.