Shesterkin Out for Season After Knee Injury

Igor Shesterkin, the New York Rangers’ star goaltender, has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026-27 season after suffering a right knee injury during a game against the Washington Capitals on Friday night ^[2]. The 30-year-old Russian fell awkwardly while scrambling back into the crease during a power play in the second period, jamming his right skate into the post and collapsing into the net in pain ^[1]. He did not put weight on his leg and was assisted off the ice by teammates.

The Rangers were tied 1-1 at the time of the incident. Rookie goaltender Dylan Garand replaced Shesterkin and made 11 saves on 12 shots, but the team ultimately lost 3-1 ^[1]. Garand, 24, has been recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League and has now made five NHL appearances this season ^[2].

Shesterkin, the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner, was off to a strong start with a 3-1 record, a 1.76 goals-against average, and had even become the first Rangers goalie to score a goal this season by firing the puck the length of the ice in a home opener against Tampa Bay ^[2]. His absence comes after he missed a month last season due to a lower-body injury, which contributed to the Rangers finishing last in the Eastern Conference.

The team had acquired veteran Joonas Korpisalo from the Boston Bruins last summer to serve as backup, but he was placed on injured reserve last week with a lower-body injury, leaving the Rangers with limited depth ^[2].

Rangers captain J.T. Miller called Shesterkin a 'pillar of this team' and said the loss stings, but emphasized the team would not let the injury derail their momentum ^[2]. Coach Mike Sullivan echoed that sentiment, calling Shesterkin an 'elite goaltender' and a vital part of the roster.

The injury marks a major setback for the Rangers’ playoff aspirations and raises concerns about their goaltending depth moving forward.