Rangers Star Goalie Igor Shesterkin Out for Season After Lower-Body Injury

The New York Rangers' season has been significantly impacted by a lower-body injury to star goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026-27 NHL season. The injury occurred during Friday's game against the Washington Capitals.

Shesterkin sustained the injury in the first period when his right skate jammed into the goalpost while he was making a save during a scramble in the defensive zone. Video replay showed his leg bending awkwardly upon impact. The 30-year-old goaltender was unable to put weight on his leg as he was helped off the ice.

"Well, it’s concerning obviously," Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan stated after the game. "He’s an elite goaltender, and you don’t ever want to see anybody get hurt, but obviously he’s an important player for us."

The Rangers announced the severity of the injury on Saturday. Shesterkin, who signed an eight-year, $92 million contract in December 2024, had been a key factor in the team's strong start to the season. He had allowed only five goals across four victories, posting a .927 save percentage with 101 saves on 109 shots.

This latest setback adds to the Rangers' goaltending depth issues. Dyland Garand is expected to take over primary duties in net. He will be joined by a depleted goalie corps, as Joonas Korpisalo is anticipated to miss another month, according to The New York Post. Spencer Martin is also currently day-to-day with an injury while playing for AHL Hartford.

Rangers captain J.T. Miller expressed concern over Shesterkin's injury. "It’s awful," Miller said. "He’s a pillar of this team. It stinks. …We don’t even know what’s going on, but to see him leave the game is a shot to all of us, a shock to all of us. But at the same time, it means we got to step up to a man to try to get the job done, especially [Garand]."

Last season, the Rangers finished at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division with a 34-39-9 record. The team is looking to rebound this season, but the loss of Shesterkin presents a significant challenge.