Without Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers Face a Nearly Impossible Task

The New York Rangers’ strong start potentially stopped the moment Igor Shesterkin’s skate hit the post in the second period Friday. The goaltender couldn’t put weight on his right leg and needed help off the ice in a 3-1 loss to Washington. There’s no update yet on how serious it is.

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The Athletic’s Peter Baugh wrote that if the injury costs Shesterkin his season (or even if he’s out a lengthy period of time), New York faces a “nearly impossible task.” Coach Mike Sullivan has called the goalie arguably the team’s best player. The evidence backs both.

Shesterkin’s Record Tells the Story

“If Shesterkin avoids the worst-case scenario and is out only for the short or medium term, the Rangers will face a difficult test but one they can perhaps overcome,” writes Baugh. Even then, they’re in trouble. Last season, the Rangers went 25-19-6 with Shesterkin in net, respectable, but not the kind of record that equates to Stanley Cup contention. Without him, they were 9-20-3. That gap isn’t just the difference between a playoff contender and a club that might be looking at drafting from a lottery position.

Related: Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin Leaves Game Hobbling, Injury Status Unclear

“We’re not going to let (the Shesterkin injury) take the wind out of our sails,” said defenseman Adam Fox after the game. It’s nice thinking, but it might be unavoidable. “Shesterkin is the mop that cleans up whatever mess is in front of him, capable of carrying the team to deep playoff runs, as he did in 2022 and 2024.” This team was built around him. He’s their top-paid player and the franchise’s superstar.

What Is the Backup Plan?

Dylan Garand has been excellent, including a shutout of Detroit last week, but he has just five NHL games of experience. Joonas Korpisalo is week-to-week with a lower-body injury, and Spencer Martin is day-to-day in the AHL. Next in line is Callum Tung, who posted an .855 save percentage in the AHL last season.

It’s a less-than-ideal situation for the Rangers, who have put all their eggs in the Shesterkin basket. Drury made Shesterkin the highest-paid goalie in NHL history with an eight-year, $92 million deal in 2024, and the roster was designed to protect him. The offseason focus on depth was meant to give him a better supporting cast, not to replace him.

Can They Replace Shesterkin?

The Rangers may have a lifeline. If the worst possible news comes to fruition and Shesterkin is done for the year, it opens the door for a big move. Placing his contract on LTIR and writing it off for the season gives the Rangers cap room with which to play. Naturally, fingers will point toward Winnipeg, where Connor Hellebuyck is awaiting a trade.

It’s too soon to know if this is an option. We also don’t know if a trade can be worked out that the Jets would like. They’re asking for a hefty return and the Rangers would have to come up with a solid offer. Finally, Hellebuyck would have to clear the way for a trade to New York, assuming they could clear every other hurdle.

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