# Igor Shesterkin NHL performance and injury update

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/igor-shesterkin-nhl-performance-and-achievements
> Updated: 2026-10-09T15:50:12.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 3.

Igor Shesterkin, the New York Rangers goaltender, has achieved significant recognition and milestones during the NHL season.

Initially, Shesterkin was ranked as the top goaltender in the world for the third consecutive year by The Athletic. Despite the Rangers missing the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he maintained elite statistics, including a .912 save percentage. Following this ranking, Shesterkin achieved a historic milestone by becoming the 18th goaltender in league history to score a goal, shooting the puck into an empty net during a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In the following season, Shesterkin maintained strong performance, entering a matchup against the Washington Capitals with a 1.75 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage through four games. However, during that matchup on a Friday night, Shesterkin suffered a severe right knee injury midway through the second period when his skate jammed into the goalpost while scrambling back into his crease. He was unable to put weight on his right leg and required assistance from teammates to leave the ice.

It has been confirmed that Shesterkin will miss the remainder of the 2026-27 season. This loss is particularly impactful as the Rangers' goaltending depth is severely depleted; backup Joonas Korpisalo is also sidelined with a lower-body injury and is expected to remain out for at least four more weeks. Additionally, forward Joe Veleno is expected to miss three months. Consequently, 24-year-old Dylan Garand, who recently cleared waivers and was recalled from the AHL, is expected to take over the starting role. To bolster the netminding, rumors have suggested a potential return from retirement for current goaltending director Jonathan Quick.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Igor Shesterkin to miss remainder of season with New York Rangers

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin is out for the season following a knee injury against the Washington Capitals, leaving the team's goaltending depth severely depleted.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-rangers-to-start-igor-shesterkin-against-capitals

### 2026-10-01: Igor Shesterkin makes Rangers history with goalie goal

Igor Shesterkin made Rangers history with a length-of-the-ice goalie goal in a win over Tampa Bay, while Detroit fans booed former captain Dylan Larkin during the Red Wings' home opener.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-rangers-face-tampa-bay-lightning-amid-goalie-injury

### 2026-09-28: Igor Shesterkin ranked top NHL goalie for third consecutive year

Igor Shesterkin has been ranked the world's top NHL goaltender for the third straight year by The Athletic, despite recent defensive struggles in the New York Rangers' loss to the Boston Bruins.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/igor-shesterkin-ranked-top-nhl-goalie-for-third-consecutive-year

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Cite as: Igor Shesterkin NHL performance and injury update. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/igor-shesterkin-nhl-performance-and-achievements