Korpisalo Begins Hartford Conditioning Stint

Joonas Korpisalo is scheduled to play for AHL Hartford against Hershey on November 4 as he works toward rejoining the New York Rangers. The veteran goalie has been out since the season opener because of a foot infection. The length of the assignment, and how many games he may need before he can play in the NHL, have not been specified.

Korpisalo resumed skating alone in late October and returned to Rangers practice last Friday, initially taking part in only some of the session. He progressed to full participation and has continued skating regularly, including at the team’s morning practice before its November 3 win over St. Louis. Coach Mike Sullivan has said the team is encouraged by his recovery, while cautioning that a firm timetable for his return to games was not settled.

New York acquired Korpisalo from Boston over the summer, sending a 2028 fourth-round draft pick and prospect Kalle Vaisanen to the Bruins. Korpisalo posted a 14-9-6 record and .894 save percentage with Boston last season. Across 334 NHL games, he has a .900 save percentage and 3.06 goals-against average.

With Igor Shesterkin sidelined for the remainder of the season and Korpisalo placed on long-term injured reserve, rookie Dylan Garand has played 11 straight games. James Reimer, who earned an NHL contract after a professional tryout with Hartford, is currently backing him up. In Reimer’s only start, he gave up three goals on eight shots before being replaced by Garand, who had been due for a night off.