If the New York Rangers don’t decide to bring Jaroslav Halak back next season and go a different direction, there are some cheaper options. The team is going to be watching the salary cap closely as they are expected to be right at the limit. Igor Shesterkin is one of the best goalies in the NHL and the starter, so the backup goalie doesn’t have to be incredible, just solid enough to give their starter some rest with worry of losing every game. If the Rangers are trying to save money and potentially get a good deal on a backup, here are some options.
Jonathan Quick
Shesterkin isn’t young, but it’s never a bad idea to have a veteran presence around the locker room and in your corner. The Rangers are trying to get over the hump and with their very good team, the Stanley Cup is the goal. They fell short this season, but not due to goaltending in the playoffs. Nevertheless, Quick knows how hard it is to win it all and was a big part of the team in Los Angeles, even during his tough seasons.
Quick would be a hit or miss production-wise as he had a good season in 2021-22 as the Kings’ starter, but struggled this season. It wasn’t only him though as Cal Petersen got himself demoted to the AHL and even Pheonix Copley, who was seen as the saviour in net for a time, had a .903 SV%. Quick picked up the play in front of a better defensive team and posted a .901 SV% in nine games for Vegas, even putting up a shutout. The Rangers have options if this potential signing were to go south, but experience and leadership isn’t easy to come by.
Alex Nedeljkovic
The Rangers could take advantage of someone who struggled and bounced back very nicely by the end of the season for the Detroit Red Wings. Both Carolina and Detroit saw something in Alex Nedeljkovic that allowed him to play a good amount of games and also cash in. The bare defensive group for the Red Wings and situation Nedeljkovic was in wasn’t ideal seeing as even Ville Husso struggled this season to put up good numbers.
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After an early demotion, Nedeljkovic grinded and found himself back in the NHL where he recorded a .920 SV% in six games. He may not be as good as the .920 SV% suggests, but he also isn’t as bad as the .880 SV% to start the season suggests either. He will be hungry to prove himself and the Rangers will be able to get him on a prove-it deal for one year. Nedeljkovic won’t push Shesterkin out of the starter role, but he can provide quality starts in front of a better defensive unit.
David Rittich
David Rittich is one of those average backup goalies who won’t be costly, but also won’t shock you with his performance. The 30-year-old has a career 2.87 GAA and .904 SV% and has bounced around a bit. The Winnipeg Jets will likely let him hit free agency at this point and seeing as Rittich only made $900,000 this season, the Rangers can bring in someone who has a well above average win/loss in his career for close to league minimum. He might not be the top option for the team, but he is a viable one.
