What happened: Igor Shesterkin will miss the entire 2026-27 season due to a right knee injury, according to Elliotte Friedman. The 2022 Vezina winner sustained the injury during a preseason matchup against Washington.

Why it matters: The absence creates an immediate vacancy in the crease, a situation compounded by backup Joonas Korpisalo missing the next four weeks with a lower-body injury. Dylan Garand takes over the starting duties in the interim.

What to watch: Garand will assume the primary workload while the organization evaluates potential goaltending additions.