On Saturday, the New York Rangers announced that superstar goalie Igor Shesterkin is done for the season due to a lower-body injury.
Shesterkin suffered his injury during the Rangers’ Friday contest against the Washington Capitals. While sliding back into position, the Rangers star netminder awkwardly jammed his leg into the post and needed help exiting the ice.
With Shesterkin being done for the season, it would not be shocking at all if the Rangers look to add a goalie. Due to this, Winnipeg Jets superstar goalie Connor Hellebuyck has been creating chatter as a potential trade target for New York.
However, one NHL insider quickly poured cold water on that idea.
During Sportsnet’s most recent Saturday Headlines episode, Elliotte Friedman shut down the possibility of the Rangers trading for Hellebuyck.
“Could Connor Hellebuyck be a fit for the Rangers? Don’t expect it,” Friedman said. “I just don’t think it matches up. I don’t think it works. And also, particularly because both goalies have long-term deals after this season if they were still there. I think we can tone that one down.”
While the idea of Hellebuyck joining the Rangers is a fun one, it is also understandable why Friedman does not see him as a fit. Hellebuyck is signed through the 2030-31 season, while Shesterkin is signed until the end of the 2032-33 season.
While a Hellebuyck trade is unlikely for the Rangers, they should explore other goalie options. Bringing in another goalie to support rookie netminder Dylan Garand would be smart for New York. This is especially so with New York goalie Joonas Korpisalo being out for the next four weeks as well.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Rangers add another goalie this offseason. Yet, based on Friedman’s report, Hellebuyck is likely not an option for them.