Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin to return from injury vs. Devils

The top goalkeeper for the struggling New York Rangers is returning.

Igor Shesterkin, who hasn’t played since December 31, will start Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils, head coach Peter Laviolette informed reporters.

Laviolette said that Matt Rempe, who has completed his eight-game ban, will rejoin the team and that Arthur Kaliyev, who was obtained off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings on Monday, will make his team debut.

It was unclear when Shesterkin’s upper-body injury occurred, but the Rangers put him on injured leave on December 31. Despite giving up four goals on 25 shots in his final start against the Florida Panthers on December 30, he managed to stay in goal.

Shesterkin has been reliable in goal, albeit perhaps not to his usual level, while the Rangers have been having trouble. With 27 games played so far this season, the 29-year-old has one shutout, a 3.11 goals-against average, and a.906 save percentage.

On December 6, the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner agreed to a massive eight-year, $92 million contract that will make him the highest-paid goalie in the league starting the following season.

The New York Rangers are set to receive a significant boost as star goaltender Igor Shesterkin returns to the lineup for their game against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. Shesterkin had been sidelined since December 30 due to an upper-body injury, missing four games during his absence.

Shesterkin’s return is highly anticipated by the team. Teammate Will Cuylle expressed the collective sentiment, stating that having Shesterkin back is “huge” and emphasizing his status as a “world-class goalie” who will provide substantial support to the Rangers.

During Shesterkin’s absence, veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick stepped up as the primary netminder. Quick’s performance was commendable, notably achieving his 399th career regular-season victory in a 2-1 win against the Boston Bruins, where he made 32 saves.

The Rangers managed a 2-2-0 record in the four games without Shesterkin, but his return is expected to bolster the team’s defense and overall performance. Head coach Peter Laviolette confirmed Shesterkin’s readiness to start against the Devils, indicating confidence in his recovery and preparedness.

In addition to Shesterkin’s return, the Rangers will see forward Matt Rempe back in the lineup after serving an eight-game suspension for a hit on Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen. Rempe acknowledged his need to play smarter, understanding that his physical style of play has made him a “marked man” in the league.

The Rangers have also added Arthur Kaliyev to their roster, claiming him off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. Kaliyev, who spent part of his childhood on Staten Island, is set to make his Rangers debut against the Devils. He has 35 career goals over parts of four seasons with the Kings and is expected to contribute offensively.

However, the team continues to deal with injuries to key players. Forward Chris Kreider was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Sunday due to an upper-body injury. Kreider, the longest-tenured Ranger, has had a challenging season, and his absence is a significant blow to the team’s offensive capabilities.

Additionally, Filip Chytil, who left a recent game with an upper-body injury, skated prior to Thursday’s session. Coach Laviolette noted that while Chytil’s presence on the ice is a positive progression, there remains no specific timetable for his return to action.

The upcoming game against the Devils is crucial for the Rangers, who are seeking to avenge previous losses to their Metropolitan Division rivals. The Devils, currently second in the division and boasting one of the league’s top power plays, present a formidable challenge. The Rangers aim to rebound from recent setbacks and view Shesterkin’s return as a pivotal factor in their efforts to turn the season around.

Shesterkin, who signed a substantial eight-year, $92 million contract in December, is regarded as one of the league’s elite goaltenders. His return not only strengthens the Rangers’ defense but also boosts the team’s morale as they strive to improve their standing in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division.

As the Rangers prepare to face the Devils, the combination of Shesterkin’s return, Rempe’s reinstatement, and Kaliyev’s debut injects a renewed sense of optimism into the team. Despite ongoing injury challenges, these developments are seen as opportunities to enhance performance and secure a much-needed victory against a formidable opponent.