Things were looking up for the New York Rangers in the early days of the 2026-27 season. They ripped off a four-game win streak and star goaltender Igor Shesterkin was playing at a Vezina Trophy Caliber, not to mention his goal last week against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
But it all came crashing down on Friday night, when the 30-year-old appeared to injure his right leg at 8:20 of the second period. While scrambling back into position, his right foot jammed into the right post and his ankle bent awkwardly. He had to be helped off the ice by teammates, unable to put any weight on that leg.
On Saturday, the worst news was realized: Shesterkin’s season is done.
“Tough hearing this news,” veteran forward Mika Zibanejad said. “Obviously a huge part of our team and an unreal teammate. He means so much to us, obviously… It’s our friend, it’s our teammate, and when that happens, you think about him. You obviously feel bad that they have to go through it. It’s just a tough situation for us, but mostly for him.”
Shesterkin was 3-1-0 in five starts this season, posting a sterling 1.79 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. He had stopped 13 of 14 shots before suffering the injury in what became a 3-1 loss to the Capitals on Friday night.
This is just the second year of his eight-year, $92 million contract, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $11.5 million, making him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history.
“Couldn’t be more disappointed for Shesty,” Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan said. “I know how much playing means to him, being part of the Rangers. He’s obviously one of the cornerstones of this organization. I am disappointed for him because he is such a fierce competitor. Our message is: we keep fighting. It’s a next-man-up mindset.”
That next man up is Dylan Garand — New York’s third-string netminder who has been thrust into the starter’s crease with backup Joonas Korpisalo likely out for a month with a lower-body injury of his own.
Garand has already been a regular on the shuttle between the NHL and the minors. He was put on waivers, cleared, then sent to AHL Hartford on Sept. 28. Three days later, he was recalled, then made 22 saves and recorded his first career NHL shutout on Oct. 2 in a 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings.
In a very limited sample size, the numbers are superb. In five NHL games, he’s 3-1-1 with a 1.31 goals-against average and a .954 save percentage entering Sunday night’s clash against the Vancouver Canucks.
“He’s excited. Dylan’s a great kid,” Sullivan said. “He’s another fierce competitor, loves hockey, and has aspirations to play in the NHL. He’s a good goalie. Every time we’ve put him in the net, certainly since I’ve been here, he’s made timely saves; he’s given our team a chance to win.”
For more on Igor Shesterkin and the Rangers, visit AMNY.com
