What Happened
The New York Rangers will assign goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack on a conditioning loan, according to Mollie Walker of the New York Post. The Wolf Pack later confirmed the transaction. Korpisalo, 32, has been working back from a lower-body injury and foot infection suffered at the start of the season. Because he is on injured reserve rather than long-term injured reserve, the loan falls under Section 13.8 of the CBA, which permits up to 14 consecutive days while keeping him on the active NHL roster and payroll.
Key Details
- Korpisalo, 32, is recovering from a lower-body injury and foot infection from early this season.
- The loan falls under CBA Section 13.8, allowing up to 14 consecutive days.
- He remains on the active NHL roster and payroll during the stint.
- The Rangers said on October 10 that Korpisalo was expected to miss another four weeks.
- Igor Shesterkin is out for the rest of 2026-27 with a right knee injury.
What It Means
Korpisalo's return comes as New York deals with the loss of Igor Shesterkin for the season. Dylan Garand started well but has faded over his last five starts, and the Rangers signed James Reimer as insurance. Getting Korpisalo back gives New York a more experienced option and could allow better load management for Garand, who had appeared in only three NHL games before this season.
What's Next
Korpisalo's conditioning stint can run up to 14 consecutive days under Section 13.8. His progress in Hartford will determine when he rejoins the Rangers, who remain without Shesterkin for the rest of the season.