The New York Rangers have called up goaltender Dylan Garand after starting netminder Igor Shesterkin was granted a leave of absence.
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Shesterkin, a key figure for the Rangers, is understandably stepping away from the team due to personal reasons. He and his wife, Anna, are expecting their second child, and this morning, Anna went into labor, prompting Shesterkin to be by her side. As a result, the Rangers have recalled Dylan Garand from the Hartford Wolf Pack.
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While this move puts the team over the 23-man roster limit, the NHL rules allow for an emergency recall in such situations, so no additional roster changes are required—though it’s unclear whether this recall qualifies as an emergency.
Meanwhile, the Rangers’ backup plan didn’t go as hoped this afternoon. Jonathan Quick, filling in for Shesterkin, struggled against Seattle, allowing 6 goals on 21 shots. The Kraken added an empty-netter to seal a 7-5 victory.
If Shesterkin remains unavailable tomorrow, the Rangers may have to start Quick again on back-to-back days or hand Garand, a 22-year-old, his NHL debut. Garand, a 4th-round pick in 2020, has been impressive in the AHL this season, posting a 7-2-2 record with a 2.42 GAA and a .917 save percentage.
Stay tuned tomorrow to see if Garand makes his NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks.