Scott Ratzlaff

October 2026 – Ratzlaff finds himself beginning his season in the ECHL, and in only one appearance, allowed five goals on 44 shots. The 21 year-old had a rough introduction to professional hockey, sporting a 3.44 GAA as an AHL rookie, and seeing 15 games in the ECHL as well.

Ratzlaff’s early WHL numbers were decent enough, but his last season in the WHL, and his first foray into the professional ranks have not instilled confidence that he has a clear path to NHL time. There are so many prospect goalies to stash, and given his deployment to the ECHL, and recent track record of poor performance, there are likely better options to spend our minors roster slots on at present. Pass for now. Alex Wyatt

June 2025 – The latter half of Ratzlaff’s WHL career has been a departure from the first half. His first two seasons saw him post lines of 17-2-1 and 25-8-0, with goals against averages of 2.48 and 2.15, extremely respectable numbers. Over the last two seasons, he has sported averages of 3.16 (2024-2025) and 3.33 (2023-2024), with a combined 44-45-5 record. In fairness to Ratzlaff, the team in front of him has taken a big step back since they hoisted the Chynoweth Cup in 2023-2024. Thankfully for Ratzlaff, he can expect to move to the professional ranks and have the opportunity to backstop a stronger squad, showcasing his capabilities. Alex Wyatt

October 2024 – The Buffalo Sabres signed Ratzlaff to a three-year, entry-level contract. Mark Henry

July 2024- Ratzlaff returned to Seattle for his third WHL campaign in 2023-2024. His role was broadened with the team due to Thomas Milic’s departure. He consequently logged 52 games played during the regular season. Much of the 2023 Memorial Cup-contending team had departed in the off-season, leaving him to backstop a less fortified, less-experienced group. He logged a save percentage of .905 and a goals-against average of 3.33. Kevin Wong

June 2023 – Ratzlaff was selected 141st overall by the Sabres. Pat Quinn

June 2023 – Despite sharing the net with top WHL goaltender Thomas Milic, Ratzlaff has made a name for himself this season. In 34 games with the powerhouse Seattle Thunderbirds, Ratzlaff posted a .918 save percentage and 2.15 goals-against average.

The main thing that stands out with Ratzlaff is how aggressive he is off the rush. He goes above his blue paint to challenge shooters, keeping an eye on potential passing threats and relying on his quick feet to stay square to the shooter or fly to the side when a pass does make its way through. He has strong reflexes but does tend to get beat quite often below his hands. Due to subpar technique and form, he doesn’t plug his holes as efficiently as other netminders. Working on that could bring out the best in Ratzlaff and make him a fringe starter in his mid-twenties. Hadi Kalakeche