The New York Rangers have a decision to make regarding the goaltending room. Igor Shesterkin may look like an impossible-to-score-on robot sometimes, but he still needs rest. However, Mike Sullivan may think otherwise, as his admission on rookie Dylan Garand could mean his NHL stint in 2025-26 is over.
“Does [Garand] get one more start?Does he get two more starts? Is that going to significantly influence where we stand as far as assessing his overall game? Probably not,” Sullivan stated, per Newsday Sports’ Colin Stephenson.
With his message, Sullivan made it clear the Rangers have already formed an opinion on Garand. Whether he plays more games in the 2025-26 NHL season matters little to them, they are quite set on what they think of the 23-year-old netminder. However, he may be shut down for the remainder of the campaign.
“[Shesterkin] has a desire to play because he loves hockey, and that’s important, from my standpoint, and so he’s going to play games,” Sullivan concluded. The Russian netminder has earned that benefit with his incredible recent form. Especially after his goalie fight, which captain J.T. Miller called a “leadership moment”.
Quick (left), Shesterkin (center), and Garand (right)
Rangers fans don’t love this decision
Sullivan’s confession on Garand isn’t exactly what fans on Broadway want to hear. Of course, Shesterkin gives the team a better chance to win games, but that’s not too important for Rangers fans right now. Many are calling for the Blueshirts to tank and bolster their odds of securing the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The Rangers have shown that is not an option, though.
Regardless, the fanbase in the Big Apple would like to see the young goalie and find out what he’s really made of. The Rangers seem to differ in their thinking. With Jonathan Quick trending closer to a return from injury, it seems the veteran goalie will get the nod in net whenever Shesterkin gets the night off.
Rangers must keep one
Both Garand and Quick are playing on expiring contracts ahead of the offseason. However, they are in completely opposite stages of their careers, which makes the decision much easier for the Rangers. Quick, 40, will become an unrestricted free agent. The jury is still out on whether he will retire or play another season in the NHL.
Most likely, if he runs it back in 2026–27, he will look to sign with a team that gives him a shot at his fourth Stanley Cup. That would put the Blueshirts out of contention—if they even consider re-signing Quick in the first place.
As for Garand, he is a pending restricted free agent (RFA). Barring an unexpected turn of events, Garand will be signed to an extension and become New York’s primary backup to Shesterkin, while Quick will test free agency and consider all his options. Those include hanging up the pads.
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