Dylan Garand is knocking on the door, and it’s hard for the New York Rangers to ignore.
The 2020 fourth-round pick has steadily improved each year and is now the premier goalie for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.
This past season was Garand’s best as a professional. He recorded a 20-10-9 record, .913 save percentage, and 2.73 goals against average while also representing the Atlantic Division at the AHL All-Star Game during the 2024-25 season.
While the Rangers have Igor Shesterkin, who will likely be the team’s starter for the next decade, Garand has potential to be a legitimate NHL goalie, and there’s certainly a role waiting for him with the Rangers.
The Rangers signed Jonathan Quick to a one-year contract extension, so he’ll be the backup goalie barring anything unforeseen.
However, Quick is 39 years old, and he’s not a long-term solution at the backup position, which opens the door for Garand in the future.
If the 23-year-old goalie continues on his current trajectory in terms of development, he should have no problem securing a roster spot with the Blueshirts sooner rather than later.
Garand made clear that he’s already prepared to take on a regular NHL role.
“I haven't gotten any opportunity in the NHL yet, but obviously I’m ready whenever my opportunity does come,” Garand said.
Regardless of whether he has to play in the American Hockey League this upcoming season, the future seems to be bright for Garand.
