Could The Rangers Circle Back To The Canadiens?

The New York Rangers got bad news early in the season: Igor Shesterkin was injured and ruled out for the rest of the year, leaving a gaping hole in their crease. In the days that followed, the team’s associate director of player personnel, Garth Joy, and goalie scout Scott Clemmenson attended games at the Bell Centre. The Montreal Canadiens have three NHL-caliber goaltenders, but unfortunately, Samuel Montembeault, seen as the most likely to be moved, got injured in practice days before Shesterkin and hasn’t played since then. He skated on Tuesday morning, but he wasn't in full gear. 

The Rangers urgently needed help in front of the net and bet on 38-year-old veteran James Reimer, signing him to a PTO with their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack. He made a good impression, winning his only game with them 2-0 against the Providence Bruins on Friday, October 23. As a result, the Rangers signed him to a one-year deal, and on Monday night he made his debut with the Broadway team. Things didn’t go as well as he had hoped, though; he was in net for only 20 minutes and surrendered three goals on eight shots. The Rangers lost to the Los Angeles Kings 6-3. Where does that leave New York?

Game 12 – Canadiens vs. Blues: Dobes’ Homecoming?
Caufield’s Big On Canadiens’ Fans And Market
Canadiens’ Fowler Had A Big Night And Received High Praise For It

They have no interest in trading for a goaltender on a long-term contract, since Shesterkin will be back next season and under contract for another six years. Jonas Korpisalo is also injured and considered week-to-week, but he’s not a starter. Meanwhile, Renaud Lavoie said Montembeault was expected back in two weeks, and Jacob Fowler has been on fire for the Habs.

The American has almost made it impossible for Kent Hughes to send him back to the Laval Rocket. Fowler has proven his worth, and the team oozes confidence when he plays. At this stage, sending him away would be puzzling, to say the least. Hughes hasn't wanted to keep three goaltenders, but he hasn’t found fair value for Montembeault on the trade market. Now, though, both the Canadiens and the Rangers find themselves in a pickle. Neither is in a position of strength, which could make both teams more likely to compromise. Unless, of course, the Rangers are confident that Reimer will bounce back. They will likely give him the chance, but he won’t have much of a leash. The Canadiens should keep tabs on that situation, at the very least.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.