The New York Rangers entered the season with fairly low expectations. The team is three seasons removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy and their last playoff appearance. After sitting near the bottom of the league the last few years, most fans expected little change for this season.
However, most fans were wrong. The Rangers have gotten off to a strong start this season, winning three straight games after dropping their season opener. This contrasts sharply with last season, when they lost their first seven home games in a row. The biggest X-factor in their early success has been starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin.Â
Trouble in ParadiseÂ
Shesterkin led the Rangers to three wins in his first four games this season, as the team outscored its opponents 15-11 with him in net. However, this surprisingly successful season could be over almost as soon as it began. In a game against the Washington Capitals last week, Shesterkin suffered a right knee injury when his skate struck the post as he tried to slide into position. The team later announced that he would miss the remainder of the season.
99 Problems, Goalie Is One
Shesterkin has already established himself as one of the league’s best goaltenders, winning the Vezina Trophy in 2022. After dealing with recurring minor injuries in recent years, his latest injury is a major blow to the Rangers organization and fan base.
Unfortunately for the Rangers, their primary backup goaltender, Joonas Korpisalo, will miss at least four weeks with a lower-body injury. That leaves Dylan Garand and Spencer Martin, who have less than a full season of combined NHL experience. While Garand has already delivered some stellar performances this season, the Rangers need an experienced, proven goalie if they hope to get over the hump this year.Â
With the Rangers’ success on the line, they need a reliable goaltending option to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Enter Connor HellebuyckÂ
Hellebuyck has been sitting out with the Winnipeg Jets after requesting a trade in the offseason. He has already forfeited more than $500,000 by failing to report to training camp. His decision has sparked enormous drama and discussion in the hockey world, as he hopes to start the next chapter of his career sooner rather than later.
Could Hellebuyck Fit Into New York?
After winning Olympic gold with Team USA in February, Hellebuyck may be looking to continue his career in the United States. And what better destination than New York City, one of the country’s biggest sports markets. If the Rangers want to maintain their early-season success, they need an established goaltender like Hellebuyck to provide stability and confidence on the back end.
However, both goaltenders are signed to long-term contracts that run into the early 2030s. The Rangers would likely prefer to acquire Hellebuyck as a rental for the remainder of the season, rather than replacing Shesterkin as their long-term starter. Replacing Shesterkin immediately after his injury would look bad for the organization, but the team must also prioritize its chances of winning.
Trade Return for Winnipeg
With the Jets performing well, both the team and Hellebuyck have lost leverage in potential trade negotiations. Teams may be less willing to offer a significant package for Hellebuyck if Winnipeg continues winning without him. Meanwhile, Hellebuyck may become increasingly eager to return to the ice and prove himself. Especially as he watches his former team win games while he sits on the sidelines.
Hellebuyck could benefit from a fresh start to get his career back on track, and the Rangers could provide it. The biggest question is what the Jets would receive in return for their goaltender. A blockbuster deal involving Shesterkin and Hellebuyck is one possibility, but Winnipeg might be more interested in forwards like Oliver Bjorkstrand or Joe Veleno to bolster its middle six. The Rangers also have a wealth of draft picks that could appeal to the Jets.
Could It Really Happen?
The Rangers’ chances of acquiring Connor Hellebuyck may be higher than many think. The team is determined to stay competitive, and even if it has to trade Shesterkin to make the deal happen, the move could still be worthwhile. With the Hellebuyck situation continuing to fester in Winnipeg, a trade like this could benefit everyone involved.
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