Dylan Garand is forcing the issue

Dave Shapiro of Blue Seat Blogs argues that goaltender Dylan Garand is forcing the New York Rangers to make him their permanent NHL backup. Garand made 22 saves in a shutout win against the Detroit Red Wings after being recalled from the AHL following an injury to Joonas Korpisalo. Shapiro believes Garand is outperforming Korpisalo and deserves to remain in the NHL to maximize his development and trade value.

The writer notes that Garand must play 24 more NHL games over his two-year contract to avoid becoming a Group 6 unrestricted free agent at age 26. Shapiro also suggests the Rangers could gain up to $3 million in salary cap space by placing Korpisalo on waivers once healthy, while managing Garand's AHL waiver exemption clock.