This season, the New York Rangers had three goaltenders in total, Henrik Lundqvist, Igor Shesterkin, and Alexander Georgiev.
Towards the end of the season, Shesterkin had been starting more games and seems like the starting goalie for next season.
Shesterkin played 12 games in the 2019-2020 season, with a 10-2 record and save percentage of .932.
It makes sense for Shesterkin to be the starter for the Rangers, but who could his backup be?
With Shesterkin being the possible starter for next season, that leaves Lundqvist and Georgiev. Henrik Lundqvist is reaching the last year on his contract. Georgiev on the other hand has become a restricted free agent.
There are a lot of scenarios that can happen here. Lundqvist can retire, Lundqvist can be bought out, or Georgiev can be signed by another team. If Georgiev goes to another team then Lundqvist could be the backup to Shesterkin. It will all depend on whether Georgiev leaves or not. If no team signs Georgiev, there can be a higher chance of Lundqvist finishing his contract.
Either scenario can work for the Blueshirts. A duo of Shesterkin and Georgiev can help build the team around two young players. Both Shesterkin and Lundqvist can also work because it can allow Lundqvist to be a trusting veteran to the younger players.
Photo: —This is still an important change for the Rangers. The Lundqvist era is ending, but the change can be good.
While the Rangers rebuild seems to be finished, it’s still slow in the works. Between the first draft pick and this, it can put this team in a whole other direction. The Rangers can be serious competitors with small changes like in goaltending.
No matter who becomes the backup, having Shesterkin as the starter is already a great change for the team. Both Lundqvist and Georgiev have already proven to be great backups.
It’ll be different to see a new starting goalie, but it’s a move in the right direction.
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