NHL teams implement new full-time emergency backup goaltender rules

Following a new NHL collective bargaining agreement, teams are now required to employ full-time emergency backup goaltenders (EBUG) who travel with the roster rather than relying on home-team arena staff.

The Dallas Stars have named Jack Williams as their first full-time EBUG for the 2026-27 season. Williams, 25, previously played for the University of Notre Dame and the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL. He will attend all 84 regular-season games and is required to wear number 00.

In Florida, former collegiate goaltender Noah Altman is expected to serve as the Panthers' first official EBUG. Altman, 25, has already been seen practicing with the team. Under NHL regulations, EBUGs must have no prior NHL experience and 80 or fewer professional games played.