The New York Rangers have several immediate concerns to address, but reports suggest they are already preparing to make goaltender Igor Shesterkin the highest-paid goalie in the NHL. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun on “Insider Trading,” the Rangers have informed Shesterkin’s representatives that they are ready to offer more than the $10.5 million annual average value (AAV) of Carey Price’s contract. Shesterkin, who is currently on a four-year, $22.67 million deal (AAV of $5.67 million) set to expire next summer, becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2025 but can already negotiate an extension with the team.
LeBrun mentioned that Shesterkin’s camp aims to “reset the goalie market,” surpassing contracts signed by Connor Hellebuyck, Ilya Sorokin, and Juuse Saros, none of which reached $10 million in AAV. According to Mollie Walker from the New York Post, Shesterkin’s demands could reach as high as $12 million annually, surpassing Sergei Bobrovsky ($10 million AAV) and Andrei Vasilevskiy ($9.5 million AAV). If agreed, this deal would make Shesterkin the highest-paid goalie in NHL history and the highest-paid player in Rangers history.
While reports suggested Shesterkin doesn’t wish to negotiate once the regular season starts on October 9, NHL insider Frank Seravalli clarified that the Rangers are not concerned by this deadline. Both sides remain focused on reaching an extension, with Shesterkin and Rangers GM Chris Drury confident a deal will be made. The Rangers seem prepared to pay whatever it takes to keep Shesterkin in New York, a positive sign for fans.
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