Czar’s arrival does not signal imminent trade for Rangers

The hype is real and the excitement extremely tangible amongst all those in Rangers nation. Igor Shesterkin, aka: The Czar of NY has been called up and will most likely get the nod in net against the Avalanche tomorrow. The game will be on NBCSN and is one hell of a way for the 23 year old to make his NHL debut.

Note: Shesterkin is now 24. Birthday was 12/30.

No Other Moves Expected

Naturally upon news of his call up, many from Larry Brooks to fans thought a possible deal could be coming. The Rangers have cap space to play with and were only carrying 22 players and are allowed 23. So they are not forced to move Alex Georgiev as some have insinuated.

Just last month, we wrote about the very real possibility of the Rangers having all three goalies up this season. Now here we are and it’s likely that Igor is spelling Lundqvist who could not play in Vancouver because he was under the weather.

Expect Igor to Be Sent Back Down

The NHL trade deadline is next month and Jeff Gorton needs to see what they have in the star prospect from the KHL. Hartford does not play another game until this Friday. So Shesterkin could see both games this week (Tuesday vs COL and Thursday vs NJ) at the Garden before being sent down to the AHL versus Providence.

Correction: Hartford played Providence last Fri. Next Pack game is this Wednesday against HERSHEY.

Shesterkin does not have to clear waivers so this is an easy move for the team to make. It accomplishes seeing what he can do in the NHL and giving him the taste he’s earned before being called up permanently after the deadline.