Igor Shesterkin Secures NY Rangers' Goalie Depth with 2026 NHL Draft Pick

The New York Rangers have secured their goalie depth with the selection of Danai Shaiikov in the 2026 NHL Draft, addressing concerns behind Igor Shesterkin's starting role.

What happened?

The Rangers selected Danai Shaiikov in the third round of the 2026 NHL Draft, No. 67 overall, to bolster their goalie depth. This pick comes as Igor Shesterkin, the team's starting goalie, had a down season but still proved himself as one of the best goalies in the NHL.

Why it matters for Igor Shesterkin

Igor Shesterkin's performance in the 2025-26 season was impressive, with a 25-19-6 record and a .912 save percentage. However, the team's organizational depth chart was lacking, and the need for a new No. 2 goalie became apparent with Jonathan Quick's retirement. Dylan Garand, who signed a two-year deal with the Rangers, will be competing for the backup goalie job, making the selection of Shaiikov a strategic move.

What comes next?

As a rookie, Danai Shaiikov received a ton of playing time with the Gatineau Olympiques, producing an 18-26-2 record with a .902 save percentage and a 2.78 goals-against average. The Rangers' brain trust likes what he brings to the table, citing his athleticism and ability to compete at a high level. Shaiikov won't be helping at the highest level for a few years, but the team is optimistic about his potential.

The last time the Rangers selected a goalie was in the 2021 NHL Draft, when Talyn Boyko was chosen No. 112 overall in the fourth round. Things haven't worked out with him or their seventh-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Hugo Ollas. The selection of Shaiikov addresses the team's lack of goaltender depth and provides a potential future starter.

The Rangers' director of player personnel and director of amateur scouting, John Lilley, praised Shaiikov's skills and competitiveness. "He's athletic. He's very competitive. He doesn't give up on pucks," Lilley said. "The team was kind of in a rebuild phase or whatever, but he got a lot of work. He's a battler with a lot of skills and quickness."

The selection of Danai Shaiikov is a strategic move by the Rangers to address their goalie depth concerns and provide a potential future starter. With Igor Shesterkin locked in as the starter, the team is now well-equipped to handle the demands of the NHL season.

category: club_news