The New York Rangers are likely going to evaluate a number of different free agents and determine which ones they want to pursue, and they can save a lot of time by ignoring the goalie market entirely. With Igor Shesterkin between the pipes as the starter, the Rangers are set for around 60 games of action, possibly more, for the 2025-26 season. That means they just need someone to cover the rest, and they already have the perfect fit in Dylan Garand
UFA market for goalies features some starters, but is pretty weak overall
In free agency there are some starters who are seeking new contracts, none of which will be coming to New York. Sergei Bobrovksy, Frederik Andersen, Stuart Skinner, and Cam Talbot are all players who could start next season, and that takes them out of the mix for New York, When you look at the remaining pool, you have a mix of names that served primarily as backups, and none of them are all that good.
What you see is a lot of goalies with sub .900 save percentages, and goals against averages near 3.00, and there's no need to pay money for that. David Rittich was the best of the bunch with a .894 and 2.76 save percentage, but it feels like his success with the Islanders is something he could try and parlay into a platoon role somewhere.
Garand is ready for the job
Garand’s AHL numbers this season included a record of 16-15-2, 2.83 goals against average, and a .896 save percentage. Those aren't completely reflective of his abilities as a goalie, and it is fair to say he was betrayed by a porous Hartford defense. His brief NHL audition was very impressive, and during his brief 2-0-1 stint, Garand was extremely efficient. Garand compiled a 1.62 goals against average, a .948 save percentage, and courtesy of Evolving-Hockey he posted a 4.88 GSAA (goals saved above average) and a 5.38 GSAx (goals saved above expected).
This is more than enough of a sample to get a chance to be the main backup this coming season, especially when you consider the cost to re-sign him should be around $1 million. Garand was anxiously awaiting a chance to make his NHL debut, and he's motivated to remain in the league next year. The Rangers could use that type of energy on their roster, especially as they look to make the playoffs after missing in back to back seasons. There's no need to spend any money on someone who is going to steal time, and Garand deserves a chance to show his potential, and whether or not he has a future as a starting goalie in the NHL going forward.
