Chris Drury's plan for life without Igor Shesterkin is coming into focus: look around for a goalie, but only from a position of strength.
Elliotte Friedman laid it out on Oilers Now. “I think Chris Drury will look around and see what his options are,” he said.
“But I also believe he'd rather do it from a position of strength than weakness, and he's hoping he doesn't have to do it now.”
That patience comes from Dylan Garand. The 24-year-old has three wins, a shutout and a .915 save percentage since taking over the crease.
The Rangers are 6-3-0, which gives Drury room to breathe. A desperate GM overpays, and right now New York isn't desperate.
The depth chart is the worry. Joonas Korpisalo is on injured reserve and now isn't expected back until at least Nov. 9.
Chris Drury builds a goalie list while Dylan Garand holds the fort
The homework is already underway. Goalie scout Scott Clemmensen was at Buffalo's game in Montreal, with Friedman assuming he was there to watch Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Darren Dreger also reported the Rangers have kicked tires on Toronto's Anthony Stolarz. Both are names to watch if Garand cools off.
Garand carries an $875,000 cap hit, and every strong night he delivers keeps Drury's options open instead of forcing his hand.
Drury has this exactly right. Shopping from strength gets you a fair price, while shopping in a panic gets you fleeced, and Garand has earned the chance to keep the job a little longer.
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It's like grocery shopping after a big meal instead of on an empty stomach. You leave with what you actually need.
The Rangers visit Columbus on Saturday.
Drury is watching, waiting and taking notes. The moment Garand slips, that list becomes a phone call.
Should the Rangers wait before trading for a goalie?
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