As the New York Rangers prepare for the start of their 2026-27 preseason training camp on Thursday, competition remains a central theme in the team’s approach to roster decisions. The camp features 16 rookies vying for limited spots, with goalie Dylan Garand and defenseman Alberts Smits emerging as notable candidates for the lineup.

The backup goaltender position behind star netminder Igor Shesterkin is currently open following the retirement of Jonathan Quick. Garand, who posted a 2-0-1 record in his first three NHL appearances last season, will compete against veteran Joonas Korpisalo, acquired from Boston this summer in exchange for Kalle Vaisanen and a 2028 fourth-round draft pick. Head coach Mike Sullivan emphasized that the team values the competition between Garand and Korpisalo as a means of strengthening depth at the position. “That position right now is competitive,” Sullivan said, highlighting Korpisalo’s established NHL experience and Garand’s promising development.

Eighteen-year-old defenseman Alberts Smits, the Rangers’ fifth overall pick in the June draft, also has a legitimate chance to make the opening roster. Sullivan pointed to Smits’ experience competing in international men’s leagues as an important factor in his readiness. While the coaching staff is impressed with Smits’ game, both they and general manager Chris Drury have expressed caution, emphasizing the importance of balancing immediate roster needs with Smits’ long-term development. “The sooner that Smits becomes part of our roster the better. But we also have to make sure that we do the right thing for him, both in the short term and in the long term,” Sullivan said.

In addition to the rookies, the coaching staff plans to evaluate veteran winger Pavel Dorofeyev, who demonstrated versatility by skating on both right and left wings. Sullivan indicated the team will experiment with Dorofeyev’s positioning during training camp to determine the best fit for lineup balance and player success.

The Rangers also face some injury concerns heading into camp, with Cole Beaudoin listed as day-to-day and Aidan Thompson out week-to-week with undisclosed injuries.

As the preseason unfolds, the Rangers’ focus remains on fostering healthy internal competition to build a team capable of consistent success throughout the regular season.