Dylan Garand Steps Into Rangers Starting Goaltender Role

The New York Rangers elevated Dylan Garand to the starting role following multiple injuries to their veteran goaltenders.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hockey

Dylan Garand Steps Into Rangers Starting Goaltender Role

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The New York Rangers have turned to 24-year-old Dylan Garand to anchor their goaltending following a season-ending injury to Igor Shesterkin and Joonas Korpisalo being placed on injured reserve. Garand remains with the team after briefly being placed on waivers in late September.

Why it matters

The team faces significant goaltending depth issues as they sit second in the Metropolitan Division. Management was forced to recall Garand to the NHL roster to address the sudden void left by their top-tier starters.

Dylan Garand currently holds a 4-2-1 record with a 1.85 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage through seven games. He recently stopped 57 of 60 shots combined during victories over the Columbus Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks.

The players

Dylan Garand

He is the 24-year-old goaltender who has taken over as the starting netminder for the New York Rangers.

Igor Shesterkin

He is the starting goaltender for the New York Rangers who suffered a season-ending injury.

Joonas Korpisalo

He is a goaltender for the New York Rangers who was placed on injured reserve on October 1.

The details

Garand is stepping into the primary role after the team suffered a 7-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils where he allowed four goals on 13 shots. He has since stabilized the position, contributing to a 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on October 19.

Late September 2026: The New York Rangers placed Dylan Garand on waivers.
Oct. 1, 2026: Joonas Korpisalo was placed on injured reserve.
Oct. 15, 2026: The New York Rangers lost 7-1 to the New Jersey Devils.
Oct. 19, 2026: Dylan Garand earned a win against the Anaheim Ducks.
Oct. 22, 2026: The New York Rangers are scheduled to play the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Season Trajectory

The sudden reliance on Dylan Garand shifts the Rangers' competitive trajectory as they defend their second-place standing in the Metropolitan Division. His performance in the coming weeks will determine if the team must pursue external trade options to bolster their goaltending depth.

Fantasy hockey managers should note that Garand is currently the primary point of contact for goaltending stats in New York. The team's defensive rotation will likely tighten to compensate for the current injury crisis in the crease.

The takeaway

Goaltending depth remains a critical vulnerability for NHL contenders during the grind of the regular season. Maintaining professional readiness while in the AHL is essential for players like Garand to successfully step into high-pressure roles on short notice.

What happens next

The New York Rangers are scheduled to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 22, 2026, which will serve as the next test for Garand in his starting role.