Mollie Walker of the New York Post reported on Monday that the All-Star goaltender for the New York Rangers, will not be negotiating an extension with the team during the regular season. With the season opener just over two weeks away, there has been no significant news regarding Shesterkin’s potential extension, leaving the Rangers with much to address.
Walker indicated that Shesterkin is seeking a $12 million average annual value (AAV) on his next contract, meaning the Rangers should not expect any hometown discount. While it seems the team is willing to make Shesterkin the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history, they also have several other players needing contracts for next season, which could complicate negotiations. If the salary cap reaches $92 million, New York is projected to have approximately $33.8 million in cap space next summer, but they will need to re-sign Shesterkin along with Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafreniere, William Cuylle, Ryan Lindgren, and K’Andre Miller.
Industry experts suggest that the Rangers might part ways with captain Jacob Trouba before next offseason, which could free up an additional $8 million in salary cap space. However, even if Trouba’s salary is cleared, there are still too many uncertainties to justify committing $12 million annually to Shesterkin.
From New York’s perspective, it’s hard to argue against Shesterkin’s worthiness of a $12 million salary. Over the past five years, he has compiled a record of 135-59-17 in 208 starts, boasting a .921 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average, including one of the most impressive individual seasons in goaltending history in 2021-22. At just 28 years old, a max-term extension would see him through his prime and into his age 37 season.
Shesterkin recently expressed his desire to remain with the organization, stating, “I love the organization. I love the team. I love the fans. So, of course, it would be great to stay here, but you never know what can happen.” The Rangers’ complicated cap situation for the upcoming summer could hinder their chances of reaching an agreement before October 9.
As Shesterkin and his representatives are determined to secure the largest contract for a netminder in NHL history, the Rangers may face stiff competition if he reaches free agency. Currently, only six teams are projected to have less than $12 million in cap space heading into the 2025-26 offseason, meaning any team in need of a long-term goaltender will likely pursue Shesterkin.
The Rangers have 16 days from Monday to negotiate with Shesterkin before he shifts his focus to the 2024-25 NHL season. They will also have a brief window between the end of the Stanley Cup Final on June 23, 2025, and the start of free agency on July 1, 2025, to secure a long-term deal with him.
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