Rangers take goalie Danai Shaiikov with first 3rd round pick

With their first third round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers selected goalie Danai Shaiikov at 67th overall. Shaiikov played in the QMJHL last season, putting up a .904 SV% with Gatineau. Goalies are voodoo in the draft, so at least the Rangers waited until the third round to take a goalie, unlike in previous years. EliteProspects noted he’s very skilled and fast but very raw. The perfect kind of goalie for Jeff Malcolm to coach and mentor.

At this point, we don’t doubt the Rangers when they target goalies. We only really question when they are taken in the draft. There are skilled skaters left, but the third round is fine to take a goalie.