Per Steve Valiquette on Sportsnet, the latest NY Rangers trade rumor is that the Rangers have interest in Utah Mammoth goalie Karel Vejmelka. Originally, Vally noted that the Rangers have interest in Vejmelka, which would open the door for the Mammoth to acquire Connor Hellebuyck from Winnipeg, but that latter ship has sailed. It seems the interest in Vejmelka remains. Vejmelka, who carries another three years at $4.75 million after this season, has spent his entire career with the Arizona/Utah franchise, posting a .900 or better save percentage just twice, most recently in the 2024-2025 season. In 9 games this season, he has a .872 SV%, below the league average of .892.
Color me skeptical, not because of Vally, but because of Vejmelka’s numbers and contract term remaining. Despite Dylan Garand’s struggles in Toronto and New Jersey, he has better numbers thus far in his young career. At some point we need to start trusting the Rangers when it comes to veteran goalies, as we’ve seen what they have historically been able to do with Antii Raanta, Ondrej Pavelec, and most recently Jonathan Quick. However another 3 years at well over $4 million seems steep given Igor Shesterkin will be back next season.
Vally goes into detail about why Karel Vejmelka is on the Rangers radar, touching on Garand’s young NHL career and where most young goalies falter.
Of note, Vally speaks on the adrenaline rush for any rookie call up that fuels the first couple of weeks before the rigor and dog days of the NHL schedule start to take hold. For skaters it’s about 11 games, for goalies about 7 games, which is where Garand is at right now. His rebound control and athleticism are certainly a concern, but would Vejmelka truly be better?
Or perhaps this latest NY Rangers trade rumor involving Karel Vejmelka isn’t about Garand, but about Joonas Korpisalo. Foot infections are tricky, and he’s not even skating yet. Perhaps there’s something more to that issue than is being let on. Or maybe Korpisalo would be headed to Winnipeg to clear room?
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