Rangers Place Joonas Korpisalo on Injured Reserve, Recall Dylan Garand

The New York Rangers have placed backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. The team recalled Dylan Garand from AHL Hartford ahead of their home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning, which they won 5-1. Korpisalo, who participated in a brief practice on Wednesday, did not skate during Thursday's optional session and is considered week to week. Head coach Mike Sullivan stated he was unsure if the injury occurred during practice. The injured reserve designation requires Korpisalo to miss at least seven days, making him eligible to return for the Rangers' game against the Washington Capitals on October 9. Korpisalo, 32, was acquired from the Boston Bruins in July for a fourth-round pick and a prospect. The situation highlights the risk taken by the Rangers when they placed Garand on waivers earlier in the week. Garand cleared waivers and was assigned to the Wolf Pack, but the team risked losing him to another organization, which would have impacted their goaltending depth. With Korpisalo sidelined, Garand may have the opportunity to start in the Rangers' third game, following Igor Shesterkin's start in the home opener and a back-to-back game against Detroit on Friday. Additionally, Matt Rempe, who expressed uncertainty about his future with the Rangers, acknowledged the excitement of making the roster but is now focused on establishing a consistent role in the lineup. He was a healthy scratch for the game against the Lightning, with Jaroslav Chmelar taking his place. Rempe stated, "I had belief in myself and what I do. There’s always uncertainty, but you just gotta go." Notable attendees at the game included Wayne Gretzky, Knicks head coach Mike Brown, and comedian Tracy Morgan.