How Rangers can improve goalie depth behind Igor Shesterkin at 2026 Draft
With 11 selections in the the 2026 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers have a chance to add long‑term depth in net, and the later rounds may be the best place to find value.
This year’s class features several USHL goalies and a handful of European late bloomers who fit the profile of a 4th‑ to 7th‑round project: big frames, raw athletic tools, and long development runways.
For a team that needs to restock its pipeline behind Igor Shesterkin, these late‑round swings make sense both strategically and financially.
Goalies currently in Rangers system
The Rangers need to make some decisions on which of their goalie prospects to keep. Three of them will be restricted free agents — starting with Dylan Garand who went backwards from an AHL All-Star last season to an uneven season with the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2025-26.
This is Garand’s fourth pro season and he’s yet to play an NHL game. The 23-year-old has arbitration rights as well, and he didn’t sign his most recent one-year contract until late last summer. It’s no slam dunk he’ll be back next season.
In two seasons as a pro, Hugo Ollas has not been able to advance from the ECHL to a regular spot with Hartford. The 6-foot-8 netminder is far down the depth chart — and also has arbitration rights this offseason. With Callum Tung and veteran Spencer Martin under contract next season, there’s a good chance Ollas doesn’t come back.
Talyn Boyko was loaned to KalPa of the Finnish league early in the season, and it is very hard to see the Rangers keeping him.
With Jonathan Quick quite possibly playing his final NHL season at age 40, the Rangers very well could promote Garand, or perhaps Martin, to be Shesterkin’s backup on Broadway. But even if they sign a veteran backup in free agency, the Rangers need more depth in their goalie pipeline.
Goalie options in 2026 NHL Draft
The Rangers have historically found success betting on goalies who need time to develop, and the 2026 class lines up well with that approach. Many of the top mid‑round candidates are already committed to strong NCAA programs or playing in leagues known for producing technically sound goaltenders. That gives New York multiple years of development without rushing a prospect into the AHL.
USHL Goalie Prospects Who Fit Rounds 4–7
Brady Knowling — USNTDP / Committed to Boston University
Brady Knowling is one of the most intriguing late‑round options coming out of the USHL. At 6‑foot‑5, he brings the size the Rangers like, and his athleticism stands out, as does his play in high‑pressure games. Knowling’s commitment to Boston University next season gives him a clear development path, and the NTDP‑to‑NCAA route has produced several NHL starters. His numbers can fluctuate, but his tools are undeniable. For the Rangers, he represents the kind of high‑ceiling project who often slips into the middle or late rounds because teams prefer more polished goalies early.
Tobias Trejbal — Youngstown Phantoms / Committed to UMass
Tobias Trejbal is one of the steadiest USHL goalies this season, and his 6‑foot‑4 frame allows him to stay composed under heavy shot volume. His calm style and ability to control rebounds make him a natural fit for a team that values structure in the crease. Trejbal is committed to UMass, giving the Rangers a multi‑year NCAA runway to refine his mechanics. He’s from Czechia but adapted well to North American play. His consistency makes him a strong candidate in the fifth- or sixth‑round range.
European and CHL goalies who fit late‑round profile
Harrison Boettiger — Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Harrison Boettiger isn’t European or USHL, but he fits the same late‑round mold and deserves mention. At 6‑foot‑3 and 194 pounds, the lefty catcher plays a technically mature game with strong puck tracking and poise under pressure. His reads are advanced for his age (18), and he rarely overplays his angles. For the Rangers, Boettiger offers a different type of project: less raw, more refined and potentially quicker to turn pro if his development continues on its current path.
The WHL rookie is 21-9-3-1 with a 3.02 goals-against average and .904 save percentage. He just might be the best goalie option at this level.
Michal Oršulák — Czechia / Prince Albert (WHL)
Michal Oršulák is a classic late‑round European swing. After uneven results in Czech junior play, he rebounded in North America and showed well internationally, including a strong effort for Czechia at the World Juniors. At 6‑foot‑4, he has the size and improving technique that teams look for in a re‑entry pick. His upward trajectory makes him a smart gamble in the sixth or seventh round, especially for a team like the Rangers that can afford a long development timeline.
Currently 22-4-4 with a 2.37 GAA and .904 save percentage, Oršulák is the biggest reason why his Prince Albert Raiders are one of the best teams in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.
Why these goalies fit Rangers’ draft strategy
All four goalies share traits that align with New York’s long‑term needs: size, athletic upside, and multi‑year development paths. The Rangers don’t need an immediate NHL backup — they need a project who can grow behind Shesterkin and eventually compete for a role. The 2026 class gives them several realistic options without using premium picks.
