New York Rangers set their sights on new goaltending trade target

The timing is critical. Igor Shesterkin is finished for the season after injuring his right knee against the Washington Capitals on October 9, and backup Joonas Korpisalo is out another four weeks. That leaves 24-year-old Dylan Garand as the man in the crease.

Luukkonen, 27, is the Sabres' primary starter, and goalies who can carry a heavy workload rarely reach the market. That is why this rumor deserves attention.

The Rangers need more than a stopgap, because they sat atop the Metropolitan Division after six games and do not want that start to slip away.

Buffalo would be a difficult trade partner. Moving a number one goalie creates a hole of its own, so the Sabres would likely demand a substantial return.

New York would have to decide how much to invest in a fix that might only be needed for a single season.

Luukkonen is not the only name floating around. ESPN reported the Rangers could explore Jonathan Quick, the 40-year-old who now serves as their director of goaltending development, while David Pagnotta has tied Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues to New York as well.

Friedman has also said he expects the Rangers to stay patient and avoid a quick panic move.

For now, this is a rumbling and nothing more, and no talks have been confirmed. Still, the comment shows the Rangers are canvassing the market beyond their own building, and that tells you how seriously they view the situation.

Garand has shown real promise in limited action, with a .954 save percentage across five career games, but trusting an entire season to a young goalie with that little experience is a gamble few contenders would take. Whoever arrives will shape how far this team can go.

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