The New York Rangers are navigating a complex crease as the 2025-26 season winds down, currently opting to carry three goaltenders on the active roster. After being recalled on March 20 to cover for an injured Jonathan Quick, prospect Dylan Garand has forced his way into the conversation. In his brief audition, the young netminder posted a 1-0-1 record with a stellar 1.44 goals against average and a .954 save percentage.
Head coach Sullivan remains non-committal about Garand’s immediate playing time but acknowledges the desire to see more from the 2020 fourth-round pick. “Would we like for Dylan to get another start? Potentially, yes,” Sullivan said. “We’ll see how it goes moving forward. We have a game plan for him.” This plan was developed through extensive dialogue with General Manager Chris Drury and goaltending coach Jeff Malcolm.
Managing three goaltenders creates logistical hurdles during practice, but the Rangers view the current setup as a long-term investment in Garand’s development. Sullivan noted the weight of the decision, stating: “Chris Drury and I have had a conversation around this, so we’re very much on the same page on what we think is best and why. That was a lengthy discussion. It’s not a decision that we make lightly.”
While Igor Shesterkin remains the undisputed starter, the organization sees immense intangible value in Garand observing the veterans. The mentorship aspect appears to be a driving force behind keeping him in the NHL rather than returning him to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. “I think Quickie and Shesty have been great mentors for Dylan Garand right now,” Sullivan emphasized. “I can see that relationship developing.”
The timing of Garand’s emergence coincides with significant roster questions for the upcoming summer. With Jonathan Quick’s one-year contract set to expire on July 1 and the veteran turning 40, the backup position behind Shesterkin is effectively up for grabs. Garand’s four seasons of seasoning in the AHL have prepared him to finally challenge for a permanent NHL roster spot next fall.
However, the coaching staff must balance the future against the respect owed to a legend like Quick. Sullivan is mindful of the delicate hierarchy within the locker room as the season concludes. “We’ve had a lot of conversations lately about Quickie and what he means to the New York Rangers,” Sullivan said. “Just his body of work, and certainly, we are respectful of that. We’re trying to do the right thing by all of our guys.”
For Garand, this stint represents the culmination of years of patient development within the Rangers’ system. While previous years saw the team rely on veteran journeymen like Louis Domingue or Keith Kinkaid, the focus has now shifted to the homegrown talent. After years of waiting for his moment in the spotlight, Garand has finally proven he can compete at the highest level.