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ESPN analyst Greg Wyshynski recently compiled a list of 40 NHL players poised for breakout performances in the 2026-27 season, and among them is New York Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand. Even before starting netminder Igor Shesterkin went down with a season-ending injury, Garand was already viewed as a potential breakout candidate. Now, with Shesterkin unavailable, the 24-year-old is set to assume a far more significant role than originally anticipated.
Garand was selected by the Rangers in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Since then, he has been regarded as a goaltender with considerable upside, and he has spent the intervening years refining his game and developing his skills.
From Waivers to the Crease: Garand's Whirlwind Journey
Just weeks ago, New York placed Garand on waivers, but he went unclaimed and was assigned to the minors, remaining within the organization. Soon after, he was recalled to serve as a backup and depth option. However, following Shesterkin's injury, Garand was suddenly thrust into the starting goaltender role for the season.
Adding to the opportunity, fellow Rangers goaltender Joonas Korpisalo is currently sidelined with a lower-body injury and is expected to miss approximately four more weeks. This leaves Garand with a clear path to significant playing time in the New York net.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Garand appeared in three games for the Rangers, recording a 1.62 goals-against average and a .946 save percentage. On October 2, in just his fourth career NHL game, he started against the Detroit Red Wings on the road and earned a shutout in a 2-0 victory.
Before being named the starter, Garand described the eventful week—which included being placed on waivers, going unclaimed, being sent down, and then posting a shutout for the Rangers—as 'crazy.'
"This has been the craziest week of my life," Garand said. "I got cut Sunday and put on waivers, I cleared Monday and went to Hartford and found an apartment, had two practices there, then got called back up and I'm playing on Friday."
More recently, Garand expressed enthusiasm about his new role. "I'm excited for the opportunity," he said. "Gonna put my heart and soul on the line for these guys and this city every night, and just try to help the team win."
New York caught a major break when Garand cleared waivers, as he now steps in as the starting goaltender for the foreseeable future—an opportunity of a lifetime. He was projected to have a breakout season regardless of Shesterkin's health, but the current situation only amplifies his chance to shine.