New York Rangers
· 2026-07-10
New York Rangers added veteran netminder Joonas Korpisalo on July 1, creating a three‑goalie depth chart that forces coach Gerard Gallant to decide who backs Igor Shesterkin next season. The move surprised many analysts, including former Ranger Dave Maloney, who noted the $3 million cap hit and two‑year term.
Korpisalo arrived from Boston after serving as the Bruins’ No. 2 behind Jeremy Swayman for two campaigns. He brings 334 NHL games and a 3.00 million annual cap charge. The acquisition pushes Dylan Garand, the 24‑year‑old who posted a 2‑0‑1 record, 1.62 GAA and .948 save percentage in his three‑game NHL stint, further down the pecking order.
Garand earned a two‑year, $1.75 million deal on June 21 and impressed with a 20‑win AHL season for Hartford. Yet both he and Korpisalo must clear waivers before a demotion, meaning the Rangers could lose one for nothing. Garand’s three‑game sample may not convince the front office that he deserves a permanent backup slot.
The Rangers could start the season with three goalies on the active list, using cap space to keep both Korpisalo and Garand while Shesterkin remains the starter. More likely, Korpisalo will sit on the bench for Opening Night, and Garand could be placed in Hartford if he clears waivers, shouldering a heavy AHL workload.
The Carolina Hurricanes captured the Stanley Cup with three goalies contributing—Brandon Bussi, Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov—all seeing regular‑season action. That model proved viable, but the Rangers lack the depth of a championship roster and must manage limited practice nets.
As of July 10, 2026, the New York Rangers sit 16th in the Eastern Conference with a 34‑39 record and are on a one‑game winning streak. The goalie conundrum arrives at a time when every point matters in a rebuilding campaign.
If Garand clears waivers, Gallant may keep him in Hartford to develop consistency, while Korpisalo competes for the backup role in New York. Should the Rangers need an extra arm later, a trade or waiver claim could shuffle the depth chart again.
Igor Shesterkin remains the clear No. 1, but a reliable second‑string goalie could allow him to stay rested for back‑to‑back games. The presence of a seasoned veteran like Korpisalo may also provide mentorship for Garand, regardless of where he ends the season.