Rangers Rookie Goalie and Defenseman Eyeing Roster Spots

As the New York Rangers prepare for their first on-ice sessions of the 2026-27 preseason, the focus sharpens on two rookie prospects with the most legitimate chances of making the team: goaltender Dylan Garand and defenseman Alberts Smits.

Garand is in contention for the backup goaltender position behind star netminder Igor Shesterkin. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Jonathan Quick. Garand, 24, made a case for the role last season, posting a 2-0-1 record in his initial three NHL appearances. The Rangers acquired veteran goaltender Joonas Korpisalo from Boston this summer in exchange for Kalle Vaisanen and a 2028 fourth-round draft pick, aiming to foster competition for the backup job.

"I think [Garand] showed us late in the season last year that he’s very capable of making saves in this league," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "That, in and of itself, just his overall growth and development, has given us a little bit more legitimate depth at the goaltending position. Korpy is a guy that I think is a bona fide NHL goalie that’s had success and has a body of work in this league that shows that he can be an effective goaltender, especially at the backup position."

Sullivan added, "He’s done an admirable job in the places that he’s been. We feel like that position right now is competitive. I think ultimately as an organization the ultimate goal is to have fierce internal competition, healthy competition at all the positions."

For Smits, an 18-year-old defenseman, his experience playing in international men's leagues has positioned him for a potential Opening Night roster spot. However, the organization is proceeding with caution regarding his development.

President and general manager Chris Drury has publicly stated the team's priority is to do what is best for Smits' development. Since drafting him fifth overall in June, there has been an effort to manage the narrative surrounding Smits being the most NHL-ready defenseman in the 2026 class.

"We’re impressed with his game," Sullivan said. "I think the most important thing is, and we have talked about this internally, is that in the big picture, the sooner that Smits becomes part of our roster the better. But we also have to make sure that we do the right thing for him, both in the short term and in the long term."

Sullivan continued, "We’ll see where it goes. We’re going to watch him in training camp with our veteran players, and his play will tell us where we think he fits and what’s best for him."

In other roster news, Pavel Dorofeyev is expected to be experimented with on both the right and left wings as the coaching staff determines the best fit for team balance and individual success. Cole Beaudoin is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, while Aidan Thompson is week-to-week.

The recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) introduced new contract term limits, reducing the maximum to seven years for players re-signing with their current team and six years for external free agent signings. Several teams acted quickly to sign young talent to maximum-term deals before the new rules fully took effect. When asked about potential long-term contract discussions with young players like Gabe Perreault, Drury declined to comment on ongoing negotiations, stating only that the team is satisfied with its roster and future cap projections.