Rangers make a decision on trading to replace Igor Shesterkin

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman believes New York will take a measured approach to its sudden crisis in net.

Shesterkin, the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner, injured his right knee in a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on October 9 and will not return in 2026-27. Backup Joonas Korpisalo is sidelined for another four weeks, which leaves the crease thin.

Friedman's read lines up with how the market works this early in the year. Trading for a starter in October usually means paying a premium to a team that is not yet ready to sell. By waiting, New York keeps its draft picks and prospects while it learns what it truly has.

Garand has already given the club reasons for optimism. The 24-year-old stopped 22 shots for his first NHL shutout in a 2-0 win at Detroit on October 2, then came in against Washington and made 11 saves after Shesterkin went down. Last season he went 2-0-1 with a .948 save percentage in three starts.

A handful of strong appearances is a small sample. The real test is whether Garand can handle the workload of a full-time NHL starter on Broadway, where pressure arrives quickly.

The Rangers can afford to be deliberate because the cost of a rushed deal is high. If Garand steadies the ship, the front office saves assets.

If he struggles, the team can revisit the goalie market with more information and more trade partners available as the season unfolds.

For now, the plan appears simple: trust the young netminder, stay calm and avoid reacting to the worst news of the early season. Garand has the net, and the opportunity is his.

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