Is the New York Goalie Prospect Ready for an NHL Debut?

For as long as New York fans can remember, goaltending has been the least of the Rangers' problems. The regular season may impress some fans, but it’s the stats in the playoffs that really show that this team is blessed. With goaltending being at its best since the days of Henrik Lundqvist, New York now enters a new stage of trying to build a team out in front. While Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick look to be as brilliant as ever this season, a young prospect down in Hartford may soon get his chance. Injuries tend to happen to at least one of the two goaltenders each season, which would give Dylan Garand a potential game next season. Coming off an outstanding season in Hartford, is Garand ready for a potential NHL debut?

While Dylan Garand has been called up from time to time, he still has yet to make his debut. New York fans got a small preview of the 23-year-old during the preseason in 2023, where he made two relief appearances and posted a .947 save percentage. He may not be playing in MSG just yet, but he’s made the most of his time down in Hartford. Coming off a career-best season, Garand finished with a record of 20-10-8 with a .913 save percentage and a 2.73 goals-against average. Going into this upcoming season with some confidence, no reason Garand shouldn’t be thinking of being close to an NHL debut. The youngster is definitely developing down there, but is he ready for his debut with the Blueshirts just yet? 

The young prospect has made it clear in his goal to push for his debut, just as any young prospect. As training camp is less than a month away, Garand still has the chance to impress a few, including their new head coach, Mike Sullivan. Garand would no doubt find himself very much welcomed with youngsters like Will Cuylle and Alexis Lafrenière, but his patience may still be tested for a while. When coming off an AHL season like his previous one, all that’s to do is just keep working to improve, knowing enough that the time will come. The young prospect has proven his potential; no doubt, a few more AHL seasons like that will surely make him worthy of playing at MSG. With Garand’s AHL efforts earning him a one-year contract extension, it’s safe to say New York feels confident in this prospect's potential. Now, let’s see if the kids got another career season waiting for him in Hartford.