Since last season ended and the long summer began for the New York Rangers, the idea of Dylan Garand being the backup for Igor Shesterkin next season was all but set in stone. Garand was brought back with a two-year deal, and at the very least, that part of the roster was guaranteed.
But on the day of free agency, President and General Manager Chris Drury pulled off a surprising trade. He sent over Kalle Vaisanen and a fourth-round pick in 2028 for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.
What just happened?
Garand shoved down to Hartford?
This is a strange deal, but I guess it confirms two things. Garand is not ready, or the Rangers are going to try and go for a playoff appearance in 2026-27. The trade to get the Vegas Golden Knights' prolific goal scorer Pavel Dorofeyev was a nice step in the right direction for this team, but not a complete 180-degree turn from the retool.
Now, Garand goes from backup to third string, for now... if he doesn't somehow become an option elsewhere. His best shot might come down in Hartford, and hoping that Korpisalo does not get comfortable in New York City.
Goalie battle at training camp?
This trade also sets up a goalie battle behind Igor Shesterkin. Garand showed some promise in Hartford at the AHL level, but Korpisalo has NHL experience. Last season for the Bruins, Korpisalo was 14-9-6 with a goals-against average of 3.15. He also had a shutout to boot.
Competition is a good thing, and this might be a blessing in disguise for next season. Korpisalo is under contract until the end of the 2027-28 season, at $3 million AAV because the Ottawa Senators are still retaining 25% of his deal. That means that he will be on the roster for the upcoming season and next season. That is a little bit of time to see where this team is in terms of the retool. It also comes with a risk, as Garand is now eligible for waivers, so if he doesn't make the roster out of training camp, New York could end up losing him for nothing.
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