The New York Rangers suffered a major blow early in the season when Igor Shesterkin sustained an injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the year, creating a massive void in their net. Shortly after, Garth Joy, the team’s associate director of player personnel, along with goalie scout Scott Clemmenson, were spotted attending games at the Bell Centre to evaluate options.
Goaltending Dilemmas for Both Teams
The Montreal Canadiens hold three NHL-caliber goaltenders, but Samuel Montembeault—widely regarded as the most probable trade candidate—suffered a practice injury days before Shesterkin and has remained sidelined. Although he participated in a morning skate without full gear, his absence complicates potential deals. With an urgent need for stability, the Rangers initially signed 38-year-old veteran James Reimer to a professional tryout with the Hartford Wolfpack of the AHL. Reimer earned a 2-0 victory against the Providence Bruins, prompting the Rangers to reward him with a one-year contract.
Reimer made his debut for the Broadway squad, but struggled by allowing three goals on eight shots during the opening 20 minutes before the team fell 6-3 to the Los Angeles Kings. Consequently, New York remains opposed to acquiring a netminder on a long-term agreement because Shesterkin is expected to return next season under a six-year contract. In addition, Jonas Korpisalo is currently listed as week-to-week with an injury, though he is not viewed as a primary starter.
Potential Trade Outlook
According to Renaud Lavoie, Montembeault was projected to return in two weeks, while Jacob Fowler has delivered stellar performances for Montreal. Fowler has excelled to the point where returning him to the Laval Rocket seems nearly impossible, as his strong play inspires immense team confidence. General Manager Kent Hughes has previously sought to avoid carrying three goaltenders, yet he has failed to secure fair trade value for Montembeault. Ultimately, both organizations find themselves in difficult positions without leverage, a dynamic that could foster a compromise unless the Rangers trust Reimer to rebound quickly under a short leash.
