Since entering the NHL in the 2019-20 season, New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin has proven himself to be a standout talent. His consistent play and remarkable statistics have sparked discussions about whether he should become the league’s highest-paid goalie. But is he truly deserving of that title, and what would an ideal contract for him look like?
Rangers’ Shesterkin deserves new contract
Shesterkin has consistently delivered standout performances, often bailing out the Rangers in undisciplined games and solidifying their status as a perennial playoff contender and one of the league’s top teams. His exceptional energy and tireless work ethic make a strong case for him being the best goaltender in the NHL.
During contract extension negotiations with the Rangers, Shesterkin turned down an 8-year, $88 million offer, expressing his goal to become the league’s highest-paid goalie. If accepted, the deal would have given him an annual average salary higher than Carey Price’s record-setting 8-year, $84 million contract, which carries an AAV of $10.5 million.
If no agreement is reached, Shesterkin will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after this season, creating a significant dilemma for the Rangers. The team faces a projected cap space of just $21,487,143 for 2025-26 and must address the contracts of 10 key players. These include goaltender Jonathan Quick (UFA), defensemen Zac Jones (RFA), K’Andre Miller (RFA), and Ryan Lindgren (UFA), along with forwards Jimmy Vesey (UFA), Matt Rempe (RFA), Will Cuylle (RFA), Adam Edstrom (RFA), Kaapo Kakko (RFA), and Reilly Smith (UFA).
The Rangers currently hold a 9-4-1 record with 19 points, sitting fourth in the Metropolitan Division. Shesterkin has posted a 6-4-1 record, a 2.85 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and one shutout. Retaining him is vital for New York to sustain its upward momentum, but doing so will require fitting a competitive offer within their cap constraints. Should Shesterkin sign elsewhere, the Rangers would be left with a goaltending duo of Jonathan Quick and 23-year-old Dylan Garand, who carries a $925,000 annual salary.
Both parties have kept discussions under wraps, but it’s evident they understand the significance of this deal. The Rangers may need Shesterkin more than he needs them, as his impact in net has been a cornerstone of their success. Regardless of where he plays, Shesterkin will remain a dominant presence. However, New York faces considerable cap challenges with several key players requiring new contracts next season, adding complexity to the negotiations. This situation promises to unfold with some fascinating twists.
