Igor Shesterkin's status for the 2026-27 season hangs in the air and it opens up a chance for the Maple Leafs to step in and make a blockbuster deal with the Rangers.
In a seriously bad turn of events for the New York Rangers, goaltender Igor Shesterkin - who has been a highlight reel so far this season - went down with a serious injury that could take him out long-term:
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He needed assistance off the ice as the Rangers held their breath as their season could be over just as soon as it started. Despite a hot start, a lot of that had to do with their star goaltender, and if he's going to be missing time then that means a much harder road for New York.
It's even more pertinent the Rangers get some help in net too as it was announced that unfortunately Shesterkin would be out for the remainder of the 2026-27 season:
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However, there is a solution to their chaotic situation and it lies with an Eastern Conference rival, and more specifically: The Toronto Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs send Stolarz to New York in blockbuster trade
The Maple Leafs are a team who have a fairly decent pipeline of goaltenders both at the NHL and AHL level, and if the Rangers are looking to make a statement in the Metropolitan this season they need steady goaltending.
Which is why the Maple Leafs should pull off a blockbuster trade:
To New York:
(G) Anthony Stolarz
2027 3rd-round pick
To Toronto:
(D) Braden Schneider
Toronto would send veteran goaltender Anthony Stolarz to the Big Apple in exchange for defenseman Braden Schneider, a deal that fills needs for both sides.
Stolarz would give the Rangers a reliable option instead of Dylan Garand, and so far this season has shown that he can be the level of goaltender that won a Stanley Cup with the Panthers and was one of the best in the NHL during the 2024-25 season.
Stolarz has a 2-0-0 record with a 2.44 GAA and .904 SV%, a much better start than he had last season and is responsible for both of Toronto's wins so far this year.
Schneider immediately steps in as a shutdown defender for Toronto and gives them another right-handed blue liner who provides a ton of shot blocking, physicality, and is only 25 years old. He has zero points this season but has already added eight blocks and 12 hits in only 17:26 TOI.
Why New York can't pass up a chance to add Stolarz
Even if it costs them Schneider, the Rangers are a team who are fighting to stay alive early on and need reliable goaltending. Stolarz has a shaky history but has proven to be an above-average goaltender if healthy. It's a risk that the Rangers need to take otherwise they might not be in the fight for long.
Schneider has already been in trade talks previously and with him needing an extension after this year, the Rangers could save a lot of money and bring in a cheap and effective goalie. With no real option than to compete given their hot start, New York needs to make a decision.
Toronto also can't pass up a chance to acquire a shutdown defender like Schneider, who would be a mainstay with the team for years and is the perfect replacement for Chris Tanev as he gets older and towards the end of his career.
Plus, the team has Artur Akhtyamov waiting to make the leap to the NHL and they are reportedly high on Samuel Hlavaj as well as prospect Patriks Plumins whom they drafted this past summer.
It's a trade that works out for both sides and gives the Rangers and the Maple Leafs the pieces they need to compete in 2026-27 and beyond. We know John Chayka likes to make a splash, and he can make a big one right now.
Should the Maple Leafs trade Anthony Stolarz away despite having both of their wins?
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