DRAFT: Previewing the top goaltenders

As each day goes by we inch closer and closer to the NHL Draft, with all of the franchises heading to Dallas June 22-23. Get to know the draft eligible prospects with our chicagoblackhawks.com position previews. We continue our coverage with some of the top goalies available, using scout rankings, mock drafts and information gathered from draft prognosticators.
- RELATED: Top Centers - RELATED: Top Defensemen - RELATED: Top Wingers

LUKAS DOSTAL, BRNO KOMETA JR. (CZECH U20)

Czech goalie Lukas Dostal has been earning strong praise from scouts since the 2014-15 season. In the Czech U16 he registered the most shutouts (8) and most wins (25), became a U18 champion while earning the best save percentage (.957), and recently became a U20 champion, picking up a Hlinka Memorial Silver Medal to add to his expanding trophy case.
As of late, Dostal helped his Czech Republic team pick up a stunning upset over Team Canada in the quarterfinals of the U18 World Championship. Dostal was stellar in goal, accounting for 33 saves in the win that would propel his team into semifinals action.
A scout, per The Hockey News: "He doesn't have the size but is very quick and possesses the ability to steal a game."
Rankings:
CSS:1st among European goalies
ISS:N/A
Red Line Report:58th

ALEXIS GRAVEL, HALIFAX MOOSEHEADS (QMJHL)

Alexis Gravel's size has scouts gushing over his potential, although it is understood that the netminder would be a project for the team that selects him. Standing at 6'3" and 220 pounds, he has the ability to make chances very difficult for opposing scorers.
He took a big step by achieving a 20-11-4-1 record in his second season with the Mooseheads, but scouts note that his goals-against average and save percentage still leave room for much improvement. Scouts harp on his aptitude to track pucks and follow the play as keys to his NHL success.

A scout, per The Hockey News: "He's sound technically and plays the part of the butterfly goalie just like you want him to."
Rankings:
CSS:3rd among North American goalies
ISS:7th among goalies
Red Line Report:131st

KEVIN MANDOLESE, CAPE BRENTON SCREAMING EAGLES (QMJHL)

Canadian goalie Kevin Mandolese uses his explosive leg strength to burst to the puck and make big saves on a regular basis. The 13th overall selection by Cape Brenton in the 2016 QMJHL Draft employed his 6'3"-plus frame to register a .884 save percentage in 37 regular season games this past year.
Mandolese is seen by scouts as being exceptional on the first save and rebound but note that playing behind a solid defense that doesn't force him to make multiple saves every rush will be beneficial for the young goalie.
A scout, per The Hockey News: "He is big, quick, athletic and a raw stopper. He needs more structure to his game."
Rankings:
CSS:2nd among North American Goalies
ISS:2nd among goalies
Red Line Report:51st

OLIVIER RODRIGUE, DRUMMONDVILLE VOLTTIEGEURS (QMJHL)

Olivier Rodrigue, who was drafted third overall by Drummondville in the 2016 QMJHL Draft, has developed from a serviceable to dominant netminder in his young, professional career. The Chicoutimi, Quebec native accounted for 31 wins in the 2017-18 season, good for second in the entire league.
Scouts have credited his positioning, that makes up for his size in most cases, as the reason he was able to add the starting for Team Canada at this year's U18 Hlinka Memorial Tournament to his growing resume. Rodrigue has been described as "determined" with a "fiery demeanor" that allows him to battle for wins every time he's on the ice.

A scout, per The Hockey News: "He has strong technique; holds his post and telescopes out well. Size is a drawback."
Rankings:
CSS:1st among North American Goalies
ISS:1st among goalies
Red Line Report:41st

JAKUB SKAREK, HC DUKLA JIHLAVA (CZECH EXTRALIGA)

Jakub Skarek is described as having exceptional athleticism, agility and energy between the posts. At just 16 years-old, he was getting time in the Czech Republic's U20 league, and he even earned a shutout in his debut.
This past season he has been regarded as one of the best goalies in the Czech Extraliga, posting a 2.41 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. According to some scouts, Skarek is very underrated in the upcoming draft and will have a chance to flaunt his extensive experience early given the right opportunity.
A scout, per The Hockey News: "He has a solid butterfly that covers the ice well, and he has the size to cover a lot of net. He's calm, but there's also no hesitation to his game."

Rankings:
CSS:2nd among European Goalies
ISS:5th among goalies
Red Line Report:70th
The 2018 NHL Draft will be held June 22-23 in Dallas. The Chicago Blackhawks currently hold the 8th and 27th picks in the first round, and eight picks overall. Stay tuned to chicagoblackhawks.com for on-going coverage leading up to the draft, including content from the NHL Scouting Combine.