What Happened
According to Pro Hockey Rumors, the New York Rangers are set to activate goaltender Joonas Korpisalo from injured reserve on Saturday. Korpisalo has been sidelined since the start of the season due to a lower-body injury and infection. To clear roster space for his return, the team assigned James Reimer to the minor leagues. Reimer had cleared waivers on Friday, ending his brief stint in New York where he played in a limited capacity.
Key Details
- Korpisalo missed the season opener due to a lower-body injury and infection.
- Rookie Dylan Garand has started 10 of the last 11 games for the Rangers.
- Garand has posted a .906 save percentage and a 6-6-1 record this season.
- James Reimer was assigned to the minors after clearing waivers on Friday.
- Korpisalo is in the fourth year of a five-year, $20 million contract.
- Korpisalo was acquired from the Boston Bruins on July 1st.
What It Means
This move addresses the Rangers' goaltending instability following Igor Shesterkin's season-ending injury. With rookie Dylan Garand carrying a heavy workload, Korpisalo's return provides a veteran backup option. It ends the recent reliance on underperforming fill-ins like Spencer Martin and James Reimer, allowing the team to stabilize its net before the regular season progresses further.
What's Next
Korpisalo is expected to serve as the primary backup to Garand. Reimer will continue his season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he recorded a shutout in his only appearance this year.