New York Rangers management chose veteran goaltender James Reimer over Montreal Canadiens netminder Samuel Montembeault to shore up their roster following season-ending injuries to Igor Shesterkin and the absence of Joonas Korpisalo, according to October 2026 reporting.
The New York Rangers found themselves searching the market for immediate reinforcement after losing star starter Igor Shesterkin for the entire season and watching Joonas Korpisalo join him on the injured list. While Dylan Garand initially stepped into the crease to hold the fort, posting a .900 save percentage and a 2.65 goals-against average, hockey observers pointed to the trade market for a more experienced stopgap.
Hartford’s James Reimer (38y, 222d) is the oldest goaltender to record a shutout in @TheAHL since Wade Flaherty (40y, 62d) for the @goicehogs on Mar. 13, 2008. https://t.co/lZlJ8eMQNi
New York Evaluates Samuel Montembeault
Among the names circulating early in the search was Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault. Pierre LeBrun placed the Quebec-born netminder among the potential options for New York.
With young prospects pushing for ice time and Spencer Martin also in the mix alongside Garand, the setup in Montreal created a situation where the Canadiens might eventually move on from one of their goaltenders.
One year, $850k for Reimer with Rangers https://t.co/qNeHtcCOeh
League analysts also noted that other veterans, such as St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington—where Joel Hofer has taken over as the number one option—and Detroit Red Wings netminder John Gibson, whose contract ends at the conclusion of the season, figured into wider discussions.
James Reimer Secures the Rangers Deal
Despite the speculation surrounding a trade with Montreal, the Rangers went in a different direction. Mercogliano.
In his first AHL appearance, he stopped all 35 shots he faced to record a shutout.
At 38 years and 222 days old, Reimer became the oldest goaltender to record an AHL shutout since Wade Flaherty accomplished the feat at 40 years and 62 days old for the Rockford IceHogs on March 13, 2008, according to AHL Communications. Pierre LeBrun reported that Reimer’s contract carries a one-year term worth $850,000.
| Goaltender | Age and Milestone | Transaction Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| James Reimer | 38 years, 222 days — oldest AHL goalie to record a shutout since 2008 | Signed to a one-year contract worth $850,000 |
| Samuel Montembeault | Final year of current contract with Montreal | Remains with Canadiens |
Montreal Crease Faces New Pressure
Without a trade to New York, the goaltender missed a prime opportunity to prove he remains a strong starter and secure a contract for the upcoming summer.
#NYR are signing James Reimer and placing him on the NHL roster, according to a source.
Instead, upon returning to action, everything indicates he will have to compete against Fowler and Dobes while receiving very few repetitions in the Canadiens lineup.
