Shesterkin Injury Brings a Harsh Trade Deadline Reality for Rangers

The New York Rangers were just reminded about how thin the line is between winning a losing and being a buyer or a seller at the NHL trade deadline on Monday. Following a frightening moment involving Igor Shesterkin, the fallout from his injury could create a situation where, if his absence is lengthy, the Rangers embrace the reality that they won’t be contenders this season.

If one of the best goalies in the NHL is out, who could blame them?

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Shesterkin suffered a lower-body injury during the first period of Monday night’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers’ star goaltender awkwardly fell backward into his net following a minor collision with J.J. Peterka and needed assistance leaving the ice. He did not return, and head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed afterward that Shesterkin was being evaluated.

“Obviously, we don’t want him to get hurt — he’s an important part of this team,” Sullivan said. “When you lose a player like that for any length of time, those types of players are difficult to replace.”

That understatement may end up shaping the Rangers’ season.

Shesterkin Is One of the Few Things Keeping the Rangers In The Fight

Shesterkin is the backbone of the team. On most nights, he’s the reason they win games and any extended absence would expose a roster already walking a fine line between contender and pretender.

Jonathan Quick is a fine backup and admirably stepped in, but asking the Rangers to survive long-term without their Vezina-winning goaltender is loser’s bet — especially in a crowded Eastern Conference. If the Rangers learn that Shesterkin is done, they might as well pack it in.

Even before the injury, there was a growing case for the Rangers to at least listen on veteran pieces. Ownership has preached patience, but the writing was on the wall. This is not necessarily a team good enough to compete with the best the east has to offer. An extended Shesterkin absence may force the organization to confront that reality sooner than planned.

Selling doesn’t mean burning it down — it means recognizing timing. If Shesterkin misses significant time, pushing all-in to try and make the best of a bad situation is wasting assets for an early exit. Instead, the Rangers may need to embrace what’s inevitable and make their changes over the summer.

The Rangers are only three points out of a wild card spot, so the medical results on Shesterkin will matter. But if their star goaltender is going to be sidelined for some time, the Rangers’ Trade Deadline approach may already be decided for them.

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