Emergency backups getting 2nd crack at NHL dream
Brendan Bonello can name every goaltender to suit up for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the last two decades.
The NHL has introduced emergency backup goaltenders (EBUGs) for the 2026-27 season, providing players with a second chance to fulfill their childhood dream of playing in the league. Brendan Bonello, a 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs netminder, is among the 32 EBUGs who will travel with their club and wear No. 00. Unlike regular goaltenders, EBUGs are not eligible for the NHL Players' Association and do not count against the salary cap.
The primary reasons for implementing EBUGs include closing a loophole and managing the health of teams' two main netminders. Since 2016, EBUGs have seen action six times in the NHL, with the most notable instance being the Carolina Hurricanes' victory over Toronto in 2020, despite having to dress David Ayres as an EBUG. The NHL aims to improve the game's quality and reduce player injuries by having a qualified backup ready on the bench at all times.
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