Fantasy
Fantasy hockey: Rebuilding your goalie plan after Shesterkin’s season-ending injury
Shesterkin’s season is over, and Garand has won his next two starts. The replacement decision depends on redraft or keeper rules and your goalie needs.
Fantasy managers with Igor Shesterkin need a replacement plan after the Rangers announced that the goaltender will miss the remainder of the season with a lower-body injury.
New York’s October 10 announcement ruled Shesterkin out for the season and put Joonas Korpisalo’s absence at four weeks. Both have lower-body injuries. The dated injury update leaves Dylan Garand with an immediate opportunity.
Garand has since won both starts: 19 saves against Vancouver on October 11, then 25 against Tampa Bay on October 13. Read the Vancouver recap and Tampa Bay recap for the completed results.
The immediate decision is to replace Shesterkin’s unavailable starts. Garand’s two wins strengthen his case as a waiver addition, particularly for managers who need goalie appearances. Compare the claim with the other available starters and the scoring categories your roster needs.
In a single-season redraft league, Shesterkin has little practical value if an injured-reserve slot is unavailable and he cannot return during the fantasy season. If an eligible reserve slot is open, moving him there can preserve flexibility while a manager considers the replacement.
Keeper and dynasty decisions are different. A season-ending injury does not, on its own, determine his future value or justify dropping a long-term asset.
Garand is a sensible player to check first on the waiver wire because the opportunity is immediate. Managers should still verify the confirmed starter before using him for a particular game. Being the available replacement does not establish the eventual workload after Korpisalo returns.
In leagues driven by wins and saves, starts may be the immediate priority. In leagues where save percentage and goals-against average are vulnerable, forcing extra starts can carry a cost. A replacement decision should account for the scoring rules and the rest of the goalie roster.
Availability differs by league, so the injury does not support a fixed waiver bid or a promise that Garand can be acquired. The useful first step is to free the roster space, then assess the goalies actually available. The updated Garand guide compares his recent starts and scoring value.
New York next visits New Jersey on October 15 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time, according to the Devils’ schedule. Confirm the Rangers’ starter before that lineup locks, and check Korpisalo’s status for any change to the goalie rotation.
Updated October 14, 2026. Game statistics are through October 13; future starters and line combinations remain subject to team confirmation.
