In recent years, the Rangers have found strong backup goaltenders to fill in for Henrik Lundqvist when necessary. Cam Talbot’s performance during Lundqvist’s injury in the 2014-2015 season proved his potential and now he is the number one goaltender in Edmonton. Then, Antti Raanta filled the backup position and became a reliable option when Lundqvist needed a rest.
Now, Raanta is in Arizona after the Rangers traded him along with Derek Stepan. The Coyotes needed a replacement for Mike Smith and Raanta could fill that role. The Rangers now needed a replacement for their backup goaltender, and Ondrej Pavelec answered the call.