The New York Rangers’ goaltending situation has been tested early in the 2026-27 season, prompting the organization to add experienced depth at the American Hockey League level.
With injuries thinning the crease in New York, the Hartford Wolf Pack have announced they have signed veteran goaltender James Reimer to a professional tryout agreement.
The Rangers entered the season with Igor Shesterkin as their established No. 1, backed by Joonas Korpisalo. Korpisalo was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury during the opening week, forcing the team to recall Dylan Garand after he cleared waivers.
Garand’s time as the primary backup proved short-lived. Shesterkin suffered a season-ending lower-body injury of his own, elevating the young netminder into the starting role.
In response, Hartford brought in Reimer, who will join Callum Tung and Gabriel Carriere on the Wolf Pack’s depth chart. The move provides organizational insurance while Garand handles the bulk of the NHL workload.
Currently serving as the Rangers’ No. 2 is Spencer Martin, a 24-year-old who has won all three of his starts this season.
With no back-to-back games scheduled until late November, the team can limit Martin’s usage provided Garand remains healthy.
Korpisalo is expected to return in roughly three weeks, potentially in time for matchups against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 5 or the Seattle Kraken on November 7.
That timeline leaves the Rangers with about eight more games to navigate without him, giving Garand an extended opportunity to solidify himself in the top role.
Reimer arrives with substantial NHL experience. Across 539 career appearances he has compiled a 232-191-67 record, a 2.87 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage.
Last season with the Ottawa Senators he appeared in 14 games, posting a 7-4-2 mark with a 2.42 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage.
While the Rangers hope to avoid calling on him except in an emergency, his presence offers a reliable veteran option should further injuries occur.
In a related roster move, Hartford also loaned defenseman Anthony Kehrer to the Worcester Railers of the ECHL.
For now, the focus remains on stabilizing the goaltending pipeline as the Rangers manage their early-season absences and evaluate how Garand performs under the increased responsibility.
