The New York Rangers continued a very busy Friday by inking number-one goaltender Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year contract extension.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and Kevin Weekes were the first to relay the news. Shesterkin’s deal will cost the Rangers $11.5 million annually against the salary cap, making him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.
The Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price previously held the top mark, having been paid $10.5 million annually for the last six seasons.
As if today wasn’t crazy enough… sources told @KevinWeekes & me that Igor Shesterkin has agreed to a contract extension with the NYR.
8 years, between $11.5-12 million AAV.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) December 6, 2024
Shesterkin is playing 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.
The 28-year-old netminder made headlines in October when he reportedly turned down another eight-year extension offer from the Rangers. The previous offer would have seen Shesterkin make $11 million per season.
Shesterkin won the 2022 Vezina Trophy and has been an NHL All-Star for the past two seasons. He is 8-9-1 this season with a 3.05 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage.
The extension news comes just hours after the Rangers traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, freeing themselves of the remaining 1.5 years on his $8 million AAV contract.
