NHL Rumor Mill – October 12, 2026
How will the Rangers address the loss of Igor Shesterkin to a season-ending leg injury? Which goalies could they target in the trade and free-agent markets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker examined how the Rangers intend to cope with the absence of starting goalie Igor Shesterkin, who suffered a season-ending leg injury on Friday against the Washington Capitals.
New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images)
The next steps will depend on how the Rangers react as a team, and how backup Dylan Garand performs. They’ve placed Shesterkin on long-term injury reserve, freeing up approximately $3.97 million, which is based on last season’s average league salary, instead of his roughly $11.6 million cap hit.
Shesterkin could be placed on season-ending LTIR (SELTIR), but he’d be unable to return to the Rangers lineup later this season or in the playoffs. Keeping him on LTIR leaves the door open for his potential return in the postseason.
Walker believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury will explore alternate goalie options, especially since veteran backup Joonas Korpisalo is expected to be sidelined for a month with a lower-body injury. The Rangers recalled Spencer Martin to back up Garand on Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks. Martin hadn’t played yet for their AHL affiliate in Hartford because of a lower-body injury.
ESPN reported former Rangers backup Jonathan Quick was a possibility, but Walker stated that there’s a strong belief they’re not considering it. Quick retired after last season and is now the Rangers director of goaltending development.
THE SCORE: Josh Wegman listed several possible goalie trade targets for the Rangers.
He noted the recent speculation linking the Rangers to Connor Hellebuyck but dismissed it as unrealistic. He pointed out that the 33-year-old Winnipeg Jets goalie is under contract through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.5 million, while Shesterkin’s is over $11 million. “Having two goalies making a combined $20 million against the cap beyond this season isn’t going to fly,” Wegman wrote.
Wegman also noted that acquiring Hellebuyck for this season and flipping him to another club next summer is also unrealistic. “This isn’t a video game,” he wrote.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I concur with Wegman. He could’ve also mentioned the high cost for the Rangers to acquire Hellebuyck, and the headache they would have trying to move him in a trade market that would make low-ball offers. Nevertheless, pointing out the blatantly obvious regarding the cap dollars suffices.
Quick unrestricted free agent fixes include Peter Mrazek, Matt Murray, and James Reimer. Trade targets could include Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues; John Gibson of the Detroit Red Wings; Darcy Kuemper or Anton Forsberg of the Los Angeles Kings; Arturs Silovs of the Pittsburgh Penguins; and Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers could go the UFA route first. They have $4.6 million in cap space with Shesterkin on LTIR, and Drury might prefer an affordable free-agent addition that leaves cap space for later in the season.
Binnington and Montembeault seem more likely to be available in the trade market right now. However, the former carries a cap hit of $6 million and a 10-team no-trade list, which could complicate things. Montembeault has a more affordable $3.15 million salary and lacks no-trade protection. The Canadiens might be willing to retain part of his salary. However, he’s sidelined for the next two weeks and hasn’t had a chance to play this season to improve his trade value.
The thing is with the Rangers goalie dilemma is that no one is going to do them any favors. Other than the free agents out there, some of whom are perilously close to old-age security, there are precious few available through trade … including Hellebuyck … and you know the price is going up given the Rangers’ wonky situation,
I don’t think a trade requires a favor? Plenty of goalies have been rumored to be available.
Do the rangers not have the assets needed to grab some of these grossly underwhelming names out there?
Montembeault for instance has been pretty awful overall. Pretty sure it requires a 3rd or less and zero favors other than NY taking that cap hit off Montreals hands.
Hellebuyck Isn’t realistic. It’s just Ranger fan nonsense.
But if Gms think they can significantly drive the price up on guys like Montembeault because of NYs situation, I think they’ll find themselves stuck with the garbage contracts they wish to rid themselves of…
Right now NY is playing well. Garand is playing well. Korpisalo will be back 3-4 weeks.
Don’t think they need a favor or to sell the farm for another teams unwanted baggage.
No, they do not need a favor. But they also do not want to trade for one of those underwhelming performers. To what end? They’d be far better off just going with the prospects in their system than to put their faith in some such.
But on the other hand, no team is going to relinquish a very good back-up for a mid- to low-round draft pick or even an unproven prospect at some other position. Again, to what end.
Blatantly obvious. This is where I show off my low IQ. The NHL Cap is supposed to go up next year
to 113.5 million. I believe Helly could be fit under
the CAP. I will let smarter posters than me, debate
the issue.
FRED020: Yes, the salary cap is rising to $113.5 million next season. However, the Rangers have a projected $33 million in cap space for 2027-28. Adding Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million leaves them with $24.5 million. They must also re-sign RFAs Gabe Perreault, Will Cuylle, Tye Kartye, Noah Laba, and Braden Schneider. If Perreault has a breakout performance, he could eat up $10 million of that cap space, which won’t leave much for the rest.
Anyway, it’s a moot point, because as Wegman pointed out, it’s unrealistic for the Rangers to have Shesterkin and Hellebuyck.
All I can say is I am glad you are not the GM
of the NYR. I don’t dispute what you are saying.
You know better than I. The GM of the NYR
might decide to trade some of these RFA’s to
fit Helly under the CAP. That is all.
Well, then, FRED020, what would you offer up to the Jets for Hellebuyck if you were the Rangers GM?
I hope you’re not holding your breath waiting for a reply, Lyle.
Thanks!
Heaven forbid, if this Wegman person could be
wrong. Is Wegman the GM of the NYR????
FREDO020
I’m almost thinking this is trolling.
1. Let’s start with the 2 obvious questions:
– Are you aware that Hellebuyck is a goalie?
– Are you aware that 2 goalies can’t play at the same time resulting in 4.25 to 5.8Mnot being used wisely every game?
2. They have 33M and 13 players signed next year. That’s 24.6M to sign at least 9 players. 2.73M on average.
3. If the Rangers have one of the best goalies on the planet and aren’t contenders, how is your game plan to try and boost the only boost the only place they don’t need boosting while making sure you get worse at every other position.
4. Technically, you’re not wrong. They can fit Hellebuyck in, they can’t win and make the playoffs with him there though.
Helle to the Rangers will never happen, makes no sense at all for either team, they’re not giving Laffy, Schneider, Garand and a 1st for him, and that’s what Chevy will ask for. Guaranteed no deal.
@fred
its not just cap space thats an issue. its also what the rangers give up to acquire Hellebuyck AND whos the true #1. Hellebuycks used to playing atleast 60 games a season. if he has to share the crease and get less games he wont be happy.
the ranger deal make zero sense on every level.
when i 1st heard about the injury, i thought it does help Hellebuyck in that the sabres can trade upl to the rangers & then trade for Hellebuyck. the problem for that deal is hes got 3 years @ $4.5mil per and thats way too much for a back up.
it really depends on which way the rangers want to go. if they just want to ‘tread water’, theres alot of stop gap options. if they want to be competitive, my opinion is,
binnington is about the best option cause hes on the last year of his contract. the down side is the rangers are throwing away good assets because he wont be there next year.
Just a thought but when a tender with Igor Shesterkins’ style, ability to move the way he does goes down for a full year coming back, being as good as he was is a long shot
Good luck to hime…good thing he has a great contract
Aside from cap….1-Hellebuyck wants to be The Man, which he cannot do behind Shesterkhin next season. 2-it would l a bunch of assets to get him and then when you try to flip him you will get nothing because opposing GMs know you are in a bind. 3-Hellebuyck wants to go to a team challenging for the cup or at least with a good chance. 4-Rangers are trying to build a culture and brining on a player who sits out to force a trade goes against the grain. There is not a question of cap, there are so many other reasons this would never happen
It’s not just the cap space and who the Rangers need to get signed, next summer. It’s also the question of who becomes the back up goalie, next year; the three time Vezina winner or the goalie who regularly challenges for the Vezina? And I guarantee that Chevaldayov, knowing the Rangers are desperate, will demand a king’s ransom for Hellebuyck, essentially gutting the NYR roster and deep sixing any hopes NYR has of challenging for the Cup. You don’t have to be very informed or above average in intelligence to realize that there’s a better chance of the Blue Jackets winning every game for the rest of the season than for NYR to trade for Hellebuyck.
NY should grab Montembault while the price is low, if he comes back this week (he was only projected out 7-10 days) and gets in a game and plays well then the price might rise (especially since the league knows NY is kind of desperate to get a guy to pair with Garand). You could probably get Monty now for a 3rd if NY takes the full cap but if he plays well or they want Mtl to retain the price likely goes up to a 2nd or a pick and prospect combo.
Mtl could use the extra draft capital and cap space in another deal.
I agree. I think Montembault makes the most sense. Maybe he can recapture his game. And the Habs do not want much, just to get rid of him. Better option than the geezers on the free agent market.
Why panic? Korpisalo has had better numbers over the last couple of years. Why not wait it out? Montembeault Is not the answer. He gives them zero more chance at winning than Garand / Korpisalo.
I certainly wouldn’t pay a 2nd plus a prospect for a guy that’s been one of the worst tenders in the league the last couple of years.
Heck, much better goalies have not got that kind of return. Why would Montreal get that?
I think signing one of these older UFA goalies would be the move incase Korpisalo takes longer to get back into games.
But if they signed say Mrazek and sent straight to Hartford for conditioning would he have to go thru waivers right away?
Captain, I acknowledge Montembault had a bad year last year but he was their best goalie in the preseason this year before his injury. Unlike you NHL GMs look at more than recent trends, a former multi-year starting goalie who played for team Canada and was part of their 4 Nations team is not garbage.
He is expendable to Mtl only because they have the future set with Dobes and Fowler. Plus Mtl wouldn’t mind regaining 3M in cap space.
Korpisalo is out another 4 weeks minimum and 4 weeks is more than enough to sink your playoff hopes. Plus Korpisalo has never been a starter in the NHL. Garand looks like a legit NHL player but if he starts to falter then the price for a replacement only goes up. Other GMs throw you an anchor when you’re more desperate for a life preserver.
Lastly, a 2nd round pick is not a high price to pay, the odds of a player picked in the 2nd round making the NHL is something like less than 25%
Yes, Mrazek would have to go through waivers right away, due to the CBA which states that no team can use a conditioning loan to bypass waiver requirements for a newly signed or healthy player who is otherwise waiver-eligible.
But if they went that route, I seriously doubt anyone would be putting in a claim on Mrazek.
Korpisalo was a starter for the sens in 2024.
He’s also been hovering around the 30 game mark which isn’t so different than Montembeault. Korpisalo has also roughly 100 more NHL games under his belt.
Montembeault’s save % had a few years above .900. But barely . He’s also currently on IR.
He had some positive signs in the preseason playing against a bunch of guys that will be anywhere but the NHL? I doubt this has NHL gms locking their chops! Seriously doubt it.
You know of many struggling goaltenders that are rapidly approaching 30, that’s team would like to rid themselves of the cap hit , who’s team would also like to make room for a 3rd goaltender , that get 2nd round picks? I certainly can’t name any.
This isn’t an argument of which horrible back up goalie is better. Montembeault Being the 4th option on the 4?nations is irrelevant. ( 4th option?) lol .
Preferably, I’d have neither.
2nd round picks still have a better chance of becoming relevant in the NHL than Montembeault has being a starter .
Korpisalo cost a 4th and an ECHL prospect that probably never sees the light of the AHL , never mind NHL.
I’d temper my expectations to about that return.
Blatantly obvious. Acquire someone with just 1 year left on his contract. Gibson, Binnington, Kuemper, Monty all with salary retained; Lyon, Hart, Forsberg and Solderblom.
That is if Garand, Martin and Korpi cannot hold the fort. Give them a 10 game run first.
More silly Shesterkin solutions.
To Habs-Schneider, Rempe
To NYR- Montembeault, Dach
This was actually suggested NOT ON A HABS SITE
Habfan30,Rempe and Zheka on the same team. You must be getting ready to play Fla.
Sr: you meant Xhejak but that was worth a smile!
What about rempe for mont. Done and done.
Now there is the most realistic trade for either player out there!!!!
Chrisms:
Captain can dismiss Montembeault all he wants, I don’t care. You? If I didn’t know you better I’d consider you trolling.
Rempe is a one dimensional thug who has been assigned to the AHL. His future is bleak and the best he can look forward to is the occasional spot duty when the Rangers ice another one dimensional thug like Kurtis MacDermid.
LJ,
It’s a perfect your trash for my garbage scenario. I guess you and some Montreal fans see something outside of what stats say about this guy?
I’m positive you’ll find some Ranger fans who overvalue Rempe as you and some others do Montembeault.
What is the rest of the world missing that a few of you aren’t about this guy?
And why are he and Dach on EVERY lopsided trade scenario? If he’s so valuable, Montreal should just keep him and Dach!
Further, what is your realistic expectation of a return for a goaltender they can’t wait to get out the door for cap room and to make room for Fowler?
Fox? A 1st? Laffrienere? Perreault ?
You’re not getting a/b prospects for a struggling 29 yo backup.
And if you can. Maybe Drury pulls the chain and gets that type of return for Korpisalo and resets for next year?
Perhaps look at similar goalies traded in the last 2-3-10 years before accusing anyone of trolling.
Trolling? I thunked that was reasonable. Both players have very little trade value. If you can’t see that it’s not people “trolling” it’s more of colored glasses situation on your part. I’d say the value of either player is about a 4th round pick.
So. Gonna call me a troll will you. Grumble mutter grumble. I’ll show you
https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/transactions/trade/_/start/2011-01-01/end/2026-10-12/position/g
Look at recent comparisons and the value of a goalie like mont is in the 3rd round pick through 6th round pick range. And many of those goalies going for 4th 5th or even future considerations are arguably better goalies with much cheaper contracts. So nah nah na boo boo stick your head in doo doo.
I’m like how he starts his trolling accusation by basically being dismissive of my opinion based? Lol
Montreal fans keep saying how bad his season was last year.
So let’s go ahead and do the impossible. We’re going to erase last year to maximize his trade value!!!!
Excluding the 2025–26 season, Samuel Montembeault’s regular-season NHL statistics across his career (with the Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens) are as follows:
Statistic Career (Excluding 2025–26)
Games Played (GP) 206
Record (W–L–OTL) 80–84–28
Saves (SV) 5,475
Shots Against (SA) 6,092
Goals Against (GA) 617
Save Percentage (SV%) .899 (or .8987)
Goals Against Average (GAA) 3.21
Shutouts (SO) 5
Wow! That really moves that needle!
From a 3.23 gaa to a 3.21! Nice! Move over Hasek!
From an .896 to an .899, Marty, get ready to get passed buddy!!!!!
Now that I better understand the reality of taking out his worst statistical year, and seeing the much more favorable stats, I’m ready to see the farm sold!!!!
Fox, see ya later! We’re chasing a Vezina / MVP goalie !
Greentree ! ? Who ? Nice knowing ya buddy!
Perreault ? You were developing nicely, but cmon, we’d sell our soul to get this once in a lifetime opportunity for a less than mediocre back up!
1st round draft picks? Who needs ya?!
Now that’s trolling! A dose of reality, but in a trolling way!
But it’s no different than completely dismissing my opinion that’s based and backed up with supporting facts / statistics and direct comparisons!!
Not the nonsensical “ trust me bruh” , “yeah, his stats are not good but the eye test” and my all time favorite “I’ve seen him live 27 times”
Perhaps next we take out every year except his best year?
Or perhaps some just need to come to terms with the fact he’s not good, and the reality of the goaltender market regardless of what jersey they wear!!!
I could see the Rangers trade for Binnington (1year remaining) and give up no more than a 2 nd rd pick
Stl then trades for Helly and give up 2 young guns(not mentioning names for fear of repercussions lol).
The money shakes out pretty close
isotopes
why would Hellebuyck agree to go to the blues when he wants to go to a contender?
Rangers have already played most games (7). They have 7 the rest of the month. Biggest reason not to go after Hellebuyck is what they would need to give up. No panic move necessary. Mentioning Montembeault doesn’t make sense. Adding another injured goalie? Seriously? Korpisalo will be back soon enough. Adding a depth piece might make sense but I think they’d ride with what they have. Could be a blessing in disguise for Garand and his future in NHL.
The way Dobes has started the season, I think Montreal may want to hold on to Montembeault.
Maybe he can find his game right where he is?
Ny gets to hold on to Perreault and the four 1st rounders he would have cost them to acquire Montembeault?
Hahaha.
Captain, that’s a lot of Mtl vitriol there. I’m sure in the past there has been over-valuation of Mtl players/prospects but the comments here today are not out to lunch.
All I was doing was pointing out that NY is not in a good position and there are reasonable options out there which Montembault may overall in terms of the player, the cost and the projections turn out to be the best option.
That said you are entitled to your opinion and we’ll see what NY does and how it plays out for them.
I don’t have any issue with Montreal. There have been a few here that just push Dach and Montembeault with suggestions of crazy returns. To the point of nauseam.
If you want to overvalue Suzuki, Demidov, Caufield , Hutson let’s talk!
But this daily regurgitated Dach , Montembeault for something of value is way out to lunch.
That’s NOT to suggest they can’t or won’t be traded.
Hell, Montembeault could very well end up in NY. But I think if anyone thinks it’s coming with a 2nd + any type or prospect, or even just a 2nd they’re grossly over valuing this guy!
He’s not good! And certainly not better than a ton of other options out there including sticking with what they have.
And maybe I’m wrong? But if Drury or any GM out there gives up what gets suggested here they probably don’t have a future being a gm for long!
The NYR were not true contenders WITH Igor. Playoff race? sure.
I’m not saying this season is lost, but I don’t want to see them trading away assets for middling backups. Play Garand, wait for Korpisalo, then run a tandem based on who is playing well.
And I’m done with these ridiculous Helly trade scenarios all over Twitter. Even Friedman suggested they can get him and just “figure it out over summer” on what to do next year.
Really? So trade prime assets to get Helly which will weaken our borderline playoff team even further for a goalie that is 4 years older than Igor and honestly not as good? Both goalies would be $20M with each having 4 years remaining AND have trade protections too, let’s not forget that.
And what would the trade be? Lafreniere plus? Garand + Gabe + pick? Smits + prospect + 1st? Pass on all of that.
This is still a retool. Unless the NYR were predicted to be Cup contenders, there is no rationale to go after Helly or a similar high priced plug that takes away good, young assets and messes up the future.
Good summation, foleyd7. Agree.
Rangers should call on David Aryes, he can take care of the ice between periods and come in relief if they need him.
He has a 100% winning percentage in his career. How could you pass up on that opportunity.
Montembault would be ideal for the Rangers . If not for depth alone. Take all the money and for nothing held MTL gets two third rounders. One and done unless he returns to form.
Drury already (and unwisely) gave up a 4th for Korpisalo.
I don’t want him now giving up two 3rds for Montembault.
That basically would equate to giving away two 3rds + 4th in the same year for 2 backup goalies who aren’t going to make a difference now or in the future.
And it’s another roster/waiver problem once Korpi returns.
If Korpi wasn’t in the picture, I could see them trading a 3rd or 4th (not both) for Montembault, but not with Korpi coming back in 3-4 weeks.
Gibby at half price is miles better than Monty!
Give Sean Horcoff a call, maybe Chris will answer and deal direct!
Personally I do not believe the Rangers are as good as their record but what do I know. Second I’ve been watching this Garand kid because he is related to my sister in law the kid has been very good. 3rd having both Hellebuyck and Igor is just plain crazy unless move one at end of year which wont been easy.
As long as the Jets keep on winning the price for Hellebuyck remains steady if not rising.
At this point the Jets are in the driver seat. As long this stalemate continues to go on makes for interesting conversations .
Not really seeing that the Helle value is climbing daily. The longer this takes, the more warts start to appear. Elephant comments in the room like, his last years plummeting stats, his age and naturally falling off abilities attached to it, his leadership and team skills compared to an all about me attitude, his woeful playoff record, and on and on. These continue to be variables when you ask a GM to hand over the starting goalie job to a Cup contending team and may be a hard swallow, never mind a huge risk. I don’t think the offers are going to continue to climb for the Jets, I think they may be waiting until the summer and then he’s a year older and has been out of hockey for a season, no way I’m giving up two top end roster players, with a top prospect and pick for him if I want to keep my GM job. If this isn’t done by US Thanksgiving, he’s now a diminishing asset.
Whenever Hellebyuck is traded he will be well rested and a shorter year will have hime at his best for the team …of course after the rust wears off
Which means the more Helly sits, the more his value declines. Not wise for Chevy to keep him much longer.
How about a 3 way with Detroit/ Larkin
Mn / P Gustafson
NY / ????
Fill in the blanks
It is a blank……..
I don’t see Rangers trading for Hellebuyck. But for arguments sake: maybe the return won’t be crazy. Maybe Jets just want drama over with. And if Rangers could fit him this year, I don’t think they’d have a hard time trading him in summer. 4 teams with most cap space next year all have goalies on expiring deals. Pens have 2. Again, I don’t see NY doing anything before deadline unless season starts going down the toilet. Definitely not bringing in another injured player like Monte. Currently only have 3 healthy goalies between big club and their AHL team.
First of all when I mentioned the Habs/NYR trade earlier today I prefaced it with it’s :
a) a silly suggestion
b) it didn’t come from a Hab site
So yes the response was vitriolic from a few Hab haters ripping it and Hab supporters as if it was something reported with legs.
As for the value of the players mentioned, I happen to be a fan of Schneider but he’s on the outside looking in for Drury, relegated to 3rd pairing and the way Peterka deked him out of his jock-strap to score for Boston, whew
Rempe is , well he’s Rempe.
NYR goaltending, relying on a rookie in tandem with a guy who has a whopping 72 games played in 10 years as a pro.
As it has been mentioned NYR missed the playoffs with Shesterkin what do you expect without him??
Lets be clear, the team in need here is the NYR who are up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
Your frustration is understood, let it out.
Tell us how your unwanted goalie who ranks around 70 in every statistic category over the last 5 years is returning Mcdavid plus 1/2 retained!!!
Haters? Lol. This term is so abused by fan bases who follow teams that haven’t accomplished 💩 since…. Pretty much color television.
Maybe back to Dach, who was originally offered a two way contract by Montreal this year. Has never hit 40 points and had missed 50% of possible games due to injury….Yet somehow every GM drools over?
You were saying Garand wasn’t seasoned enough to be a backup because he only had a few games…. As it turns out most goalies don’t start their nhl career with 3 full seasons under their belts? He’s now actually starting and has better numbers than that Hasek clone Dobes!!!! Who looks Vezina ready in your eyes I take it?
Nobody is saying anything about Schneider, who has pretty much not moved out of that 3rd pairing his entire time in NY…. But of course you knew that? Jk, of course you didn’t .
We’re talking about the lack of value of a 3rd string goalie whose numbers are at the bottom of the league And the absolute delusion of those thinking he’s somehow worth more than better goalies recently traded!
Maybe he gets traded, but I can’t wait to see you prance around when it’s either for a 4th rounder or retained $$$$ and a 3rd.
Remove those rosey glasses!!!
“Hater” lmfao!!!!
Captain, calm down. I don’t like either team but for a ranger fan, you have always struck me as someone who I would nevertheless buy a beer for. Calm down and know that reality is on your side.
Yes Schneider got beat pretty badly on that play…. Let’s roll Monty’s highlight reels of getting beat by every 4th line Ahl’er that gets called up!
Lol. Not sure this site has the bandwidth!
A 5th in 2038 and a signed Rempe stick for Monty!!!
Throw in a Lias Anderson stick and it’s a deal
As someone who’s posted in his cups in the past… might wanna have a Gatorade and hit the sack bud.