Rangers Place Goalie Joonas Korpisalo on IR, Recall Dylan Garand

The New York Rangers have placed backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury, the team announced. This move forces an early test of the team's goaltending depth just days into the season.

To fill Korpisalo's spot, the Rangers recalled Dylan Garand from their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Garand had previously lost the competition to be the No. 2 goaltender behind Igor Shesterkin during training camp. The timing of Korpisalo's injury is unclear, but his placement on IR means he will miss at least seven days. He could be eligible to return for the Rangers' game against the Washington Capitals on October 9.

Korpisalo, acquired from the Bruins in July for a fourth-round pick and a prospect, appeared in the Rangers' third preseason game against the New Jersey Devils. He made 20 saves in regulation and three more in the shootout.

The injury to Korpisalo highlights the risk the Rangers took when they placed Garand on waivers earlier in the week. Garand cleared waivers and was assigned to Hartford, but the team could have lost him without compensation. Had Garand been claimed, Spencer Martin would have been the next option for a call-up.

With Korpisalo sidelined, Garand, who was not initially on the roster, could potentially start in one of the Rangers' early-season games. Shesterkin is expected to start the home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, and the Rangers are scheduled for a back-to-back set concluding in Detroit on Friday.