Rangers Rookies Dylan Garand and Alberts Smits Target Backup Goalie Spot

The Rangers’ 2026-27 training camp highlights rookie goalie Dylan Garand and defenseman Alberts Smits as prime candidates for the backup netminder spot. With veteran Igor Shesterkin leading the team, the competition will test the young players’ readiness and the organization’s long‑term development…

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:56:21 GMT

The New York Rangers are gearing up for a competitive 2026‑27 preseason, with rookie goalie Dylan Garand and defenseman Alberts Smits standing out as the most promising candidates for the backup netminder position behind star goaltender Igor Shesterkin. The training camp, set to begin on Thursday, will see 16 hopefuls vying for a limited number of roster spots, but only a handful of players have the pedigree and recent performance to make a strong case.

Rookie Goalie Dylan Garand: A Rising Talent

At 24, Garand has already shown flashes of NHL readiness. During the 2025‑26 season, he posted a 2‑0‑1 record in his first three games, a performance that caught the attention of Rangers’ head coach Mike Sullivan. Sullivan praised Garand’s growth, noting that “he’s very capable of making saves in this league.” Garand’s development was further highlighted by his strong finish to the season, where he demonstrated composure and shot‑stopper skills that align with the Rangers’ expectations for a reliable backup.

The backup role is currently open following the retirement of former Rangers netminder Jonathan Quick. Garand will face off against veteran Joonas Korpisalo, who was recently brought in from Boston as part of a trade for Kalle Vaisanen and a 2028 fourth‑round pick. Korpisalo’s experience and proven track record make him a formidable competitor, but the Rangers are keen to foster internal competition that can elevate the entire goaltending corps.

Defenseman Alberts Smits: International Experience Meets NHL Opportunity

Smits, 18, was drafted fifth overall by the Rangers in June 2026 and has already earned a spot on the team’s development camp roster. His background includes stints in international men’s leagues, giving him exposure to high‑level competition and a diverse skill set that the Rangers believe will translate well to the NHL. Coach Sullivan emphasized that while Smits has a realistic chance to make the Opening Night roster, the organization is cautious about rushing his development.

President and general manager Chris Drury has publicly stated that the Rangers’ priority is to do what is best for Smits’ long‑term growth. Drury and Sullivan both agree that the sooner Smits can contribute meaningfully, the better for the franchise, but they also recognize the importance of a measured approach to his integration into the lineup.

Internal Competition and Team Strategy

Beyond the goaltending battle, the Rangers are experimenting with player positioning to find the optimal balance for a winning season. For example, Pavel Dorofeyev, a 25‑year‑old Russian winger, can play on both the right and left sides. Coach Sullivan plans to test various line combinations over the next few weeks to determine where Dorofeyev fits best.

The Rangers’ approach reflects a broader trend in the NHL: teams are increasingly valuing depth and versatility. By encouraging healthy competition among rookies and veterans alike, the Rangers aim to build a resilient roster capable of adapting to injuries and performance fluctuations.

Contract Landscape and Future Outlook

The new collective bargaining agreement, which took effect Wednesday, has tightened contract terms for re‑signings and free agents. The maximum contract length for players re‑signing with their current team is now seven years, down from eight, while external free agents face a six‑year limit. Several teams, including the Capitals and the Sabres, have already secured young talent on maximum‑term deals, underscoring the value placed on securing future contributors.

While the Rangers have not publicly disclosed their stance on offering maximum‑term contracts to prospects like Gabe Perreault, President Drury emphasized that contract negotiations remain confidential. He highlighted the organization’s confidence in its roster construction and cap projections, expressing excitement about the development of young players and their potential to contribute significantly in the coming years.

What Happens Next?

As the training camp progresses, the Rangers will evaluate Garand, Smits, and other rookies through on‑ice sessions and scrimmages. The coaching staff will assess how each player adapts to the team’s systems and how they perform against seasoned veterans. The outcome will determine the final roster, with particular focus on the backup goalie position and the defensive lineup.

For fans and analysts alike, the next few weeks will be pivotal in understanding how the Rangers plan to blend youthful promise with experienced leadership to compete in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.

Key facts

Dylan Garand and Alberts Smits are the top rookies competing for the backup goalie spot.
Garand has a 2‑0‑1 record from his first three NHL games, showing readiness.
Smits, drafted fifth overall, brings international experience to the defense.
The Rangers are experimenting with player positions to find optimal line combinations.
The new CBA limits maximum contract lengths, affecting team strategy.
The organization prioritizes long‑term development over immediate contract offers.

Why it matters

The Rangers’ focus on rookie talent signals a strategic shift toward building a sustainable, competitive roster, offering fans insight into the franchise’s future direction and the potential impact on team performance.

Frequently asked questions

Who will be the Rangers’ backup goalie for the 2026‑27 season?

The backup role is currently open, with rookie Dylan Garand and veteran Joonas Korpisalo competing for the spot behind Igor Shesterkin.

What is Alberts Smits’ background before joining the Rangers?

Smits has played in international men’s leagues and was drafted fifth overall by the Rangers in June 2026.

How does the new CBA affect Rangers’ contract decisions?

The new CBA limits maximum contract terms to seven years for re‑signings and six years for free agents, influencing how the Rangers structure future deals.