The New York Rangers reportedly received some concerning news on Tuesday morning. According to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, the team’s star goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, rejected an eight-year, $88 million contract extension.
The potential deal’s $11 million average annual value would make Shesterkin the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. The Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price holds that mark, having been paid $10.5 million annually for the last six seasons.
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told the Stanley Cup contending & cap spending @NYRangers offer of $88M / 11M AAV has been rejected by G Shesterkin.
Igor has rejected the highest Goalie contract in @NHL history from #NYR . #HockeyX pic.twitter.com/assw8DGUH1— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) October 8, 2024
Shesterkin is entering the final season of a four-year, $22.67 million contract he signed in August 2021. His current contract carries a $5.67 million cap hit, and per the New York Post’s Mollie Walker, he is reportedly seeking a raise up to $12 million.
The Rangers are also running out of time to finalize an extension with Shesterkin, as the Russian netminder has stated he wants nothing to do with negotiations once the season starts. New York gets its 2024-25 campaign underway against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night.
“I love the organization,” Shesterkin told Walker in September. “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.”
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers are confident they will find common ground with Shesterkin. The 28-year-old backstop won the 2022 Vezina Trophy and has been an NHL All-Star for the past two seasons.
“I believe it’s going to work out,” Friedman said on a recent NHL Network radio spot. “I think the Rangers have made the choice that they’re going to pay him, and, to me, it just comes down to what the number is going to be.
“Until I’m told otherwise, I expect them to work out. Work it out. I believe the Rangers have made their choice here. He’s the best goaltender in the league, and they know they need to keep him.”
Shesterkin posted a 36-17-2 record during the 2023-24 season with a 2.58 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and four shutouts. He then had an excellent postseason, going 10-6 with a 2.34 GAA and .927 save percentage.
