Shesterkin Misses Season After Rangers Confirm Injury

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin will miss the remainder of the season after the team announced he suffered a lower-body injury during a loss to the Washington Capitals. The injury occurred when his right skate struck the goalpost while he was moving back into position.

According to the Rangers, Shesterkin was unable to put weight on his right leg and was helped off the ice by defensemen Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson. He stopped 13 of 14 shots before leaving the game and was replaced by Dylan Garand, who made 11 saves.

Shesterkin has a 3-1-0 record in five starts this season with a 1.79 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage, according to team statistics. He also scored his first NHL goal in a 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 1.

Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad said the injury was difficult for the team because of Shesterkin's importance as a teammate and player.

"Tough hearing this news. Obviously a huge part of our team and unreal teammate. He means so much for us obviously, so that stinks.

It's our friend. It's our teammate and when that happens, you think about him. You obviously feel bad that they have to go through it.

It's just a tough situation obviously for us, but mostly for him," said Zibanejad, Rangers forward.

Shesterkin is in his eighth season with New York after the Rangers selected him in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft. According to the team, he is playing under an eight-year, $92 million contract signed on Dec. 6, 2024, with an average annual value of $11.5 million.

Rangers defenseman Adam Fox said the team is still adjusting to losing a key player.

"A guy that means so much to our team. Obviously still processing that and you still feel terrible. Personally having dealt with injuries the past few years and him too, it stinks when you're not able to be out there and help the team.

He's such an important piece to this team. It's an opportunity for everyone else to step up," said Fox, Rangers defenseman.

Shesterkin won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie in the 2021-22 season and missed 13 games last season after another lower-body injury. He finished last season with a 25-19-6 record, a 2.50 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage and one shutout in 51 games.

Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said the team will rely on a next-man-up approach while Shesterkin recovers.

"Couldn't be more disappointed for 'Shesty.' I know how much playing means to him, being part of the Rangers. He's obviously one of the cornerstones of this organization.

I am disappointed for him because he is such a fierce competitor. Our message is, we keep fighting. It's a next-man-up mindset," said Sullivan, Rangers coach.

With backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo also unavailable for four weeks because of a lower-body injury, Garand will receive an expanded role. Sullivan said Garand has shown he can help the team after making important saves in previous appearances.

Garand said he is prepared for the opportunity after being recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Oct. 1. He recorded his first NHL shutout in a 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 2.

"You never want to see guys get injured, especially your best player in Igor. He means a lot to the guys in this room and a lot to me personally. I'm excited for the opportunity. Going to put my heart and soul on the line for these guys and this city every night and just try to help the team win," said Garand, Rangers goaltender.

Garand is 3-1-1 with a 1.31 goals-against average, a .954 save percentage and one shutout in five career NHL games. He is scheduled to make his first start as New York's starter when the Rangers host the Vancouver Canucks.

"It's a dream come true to play in the NHL and I'm just trying to embrace that mentality and have a lot of gratitude for this opportunity. I love being part of this group and I love the guys in this room," said Garand, Rangers goaltender.

Garand also said he wants to prove he can handle the increased responsibility after going unclaimed on waivers.

"I think it's been 11 days, pretty crazy. I think I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder for how my past has been and I'm really excited for this opportunity to go battle for the guys. Obviously it's just one day at a time. I'm sure the coaches will figure something out, but for me, I'm a young guy, I've still got some legs, so whatever is needed of me, I'm ready to go," said Garand, Rangers goaltender.