Joonas Korpisalo is on track to return to the New York Rangers, with the veteran goaltender scheduled to begin a conditioning stint with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack on Wednesday against Hershey. Korpisalo has been sidelined since the season opener due to a foot infection.
The Rangers acquired Korpisalo from the Boston Bruins in the offseason. While the exact number of games he will need in the AHL to regain NHL readiness remains unclear, his upcoming stint represents a significant positive development for the Rangers, who have faced considerable goaltending instability early in the season.
Korpisalo resumed skating independently in late October and has since progressed to full participation in practice sessions, including the Rangers' morning skate before their recent victory over the St. Louis Blues. Head coach Mike Sullivan has expressed cautious optimism regarding Korpisalo's recovery, noting encouragement with his progress, though a definitive timeline for his NHL return has not yet been established.
Prior to his injury, Korpisalo posted a 14-9-6 record with an .894 save percentage for Boston last season. In his NHL career spanning 334 games, he holds a .900 save percentage and a 3.06 goals-against average.
The Rangers have also relied heavily on rookie Dylan Garand, who has played in 11 consecutive games. This situation arose with both starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin out for the season due to injury and Korpisalo on long-term injured reserve. James Reimer joined the team after a professional tryout agreement and has served as Garand's backup. Reimer was pulled in his only start after allowing three goals on eight shots, leading to Garand's extended playing time.
