Last season, Noah Laba proved that a strong training camp will be rewarded.
The same rule still applies as multiple Rangers rookies prepare for the first on-ice session of the 2026-27 preseason Thursday.
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tRY IT NOW Of the 16 would-be rookies on the training camp roster, however, only two stand out as having the most legitimate chances before even stepping on the ice.
Goalie Dylan Garand and defenseman Alberts Smits are both in the mix for the few open spots in the Blueshirts lineup.
The backup job behind star netminder Igor Shesterkin is up for grabs after it was vacated by the since-retired Jonathan Quick.
Garand will go toe-to-toe with veteran goaltender Joonas Korpisalo for the role, which the 24-year-old started making a case for last season with a 2-0-1 record through his first three NHL games.
Korpisalo was still brought in from Boston this summer — for Kalle Vaisanen and a 2028 fourth-round draft pick — to ignite some internal competition.
Rangers rookie Alberts Smits participates in their 2026...