The New York Rangers have a big problem in goal after losing Igor Shesterkin for the season. With Joonas Korpisalo also out, the Rangers need to find another option who can share the workload with Dylan Garand until Korpisalo is ready to return.
There has been some talk about Jonathan Quick potentially coming out of retirement to help New York through this stretch, but the Rangers should also be looking at other options around the league. Here are three goalies they could target.
Samuel Montembeault, Montreal Canadiens
Samuel Montembeault could be an interesting option if the Montreal Canadiens are willing to move him. He has experience as an NHL starter and could give the Rangers someone who can handle regular starts while taking some of the pressure off Garand.
New York doesn't necessarily need to find another long-term starter right now. It needs someone who can help settle things down until Korpisalo returns, and Montembeault could fill that role. The question is whether Montreal would be willing to part with him and what the asking price would look like.
David Rittich, New Jersey Devils
David Rittich could be another option if the Rangers want to bring in an experienced goalie without making a bigger move. He has played for several NHL teams and has experience working in a tandem, which could make him a useful addition while New York waits for Korpisalo.
Rittich would be in a similar spot as Montembeault. He wouldn't offer a long-term solution, but that isn't what the Rangers need. They need someone who can take on starts and give Garand a bit of breathing room. If the New Jersey Devils are willing to move him, Rittich could be a name worth exploring.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen might be the most interesting option, especially if the Buffalo Sabres decide to pursue Connor Hellebuyck. Buffalo has previously been linked to the Winnipeg Jets goalie, and acquiring him could change the situation in its crease.
If the Sabres make that move, Luukkonen could become available, giving the Rangers a chance to acquire a younger goalie with NHL starting experience. He could help share the workload with Garand now while potentially giving New York another option beyond this season.
Of course, this depends on Buffalo actually making a move for Hellebuyck. The Rangers would also need to put together an offer that makes sense for the Sabres, but it is a situation worth watching if those trade discussions pick up again.
The Rangers need help in goal
Losing Shesterkin for the season is a major blow, and the situation becomes even more difficult with Korpisalo unavailable. Garand is going to have a bigger responsibility, but the Rangers shouldn't have to rely on him to handle nearly everything until Korpisalo returns.
Quick potentially coming out of retirement is worth watching, but New York should explore its other options as well. Montembeault and Rittich could help in the short term, while Luukkonen becomes particularly interesting if Buffalo makes a push for Hellebuyck.
The Rangers don't necessarily need to make a massive trade, but they do need to find some stability in goal. Bringing in another goalie to share the workload could help them get through this stretch without putting too much pressure on Garand.
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