Jonathan Quick’s one-year contract extension with the New York Rangers ensures that the team will maintain the same goaltending duo for the upcoming season. This decision raises questions about the future of goaltending prospect , who was widely expected to begin transitioning into the backup role next season following Quick’s potential retirement. However, with Quick staying on, he is now likely to spend another year with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League.
Garand has posted a .913 save percentage and a 2.77 goals-against average in the AHL this season, showing solid performance for the Wolf Pack. Many believed these numbers would earn him an NHL opportunity soon. However, his progress follows two previous seasons with save percentages of .898 and .894, respectively. While he is steadily improving, the Rangers want to ensure he develops properly before making the leap to the NHL.
Would another year in the minors benefit Garand? That’s a discussion the organization will have with the player. As a promising young goaltender, the Rangers have been grooming him as a potential long-term partner for Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin. While another season in the AHL may not hinder his growth, Garand must establish himself as the team’s third-choice goaltender.
For the past few years, whenever Quick or Shesterkin have been injured, the Rangers have turned to Louis Domingue as their backup. While Domingue is a reliable option, this has left Garand primarily serving as an emergency call-up without getting actual NHL playing time. To continue his development, Garand needs exposure to NHL-level competition, a step that could be crucial as Quick remains with the team for another season.
