The New York Rangers and their standout goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, are maintaining a low profile regarding contract talks. However, recent updates suggest that both parties are aiming for a significant, long-term extension. Pagnotta shared on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio that while discussions have been subdued since the offseason began, the primary goal remains a substantial deal to keep Shesterkin for the duration of his career. According to Pagnotta, discussions took place at the start of the offseason, and both sides are working towards a long-term agreement.
Entering the last year of his current four-year, $22.7 million contract, Shesterkin is looking to become the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. With his previous contract’s cap hit of $5.66 million, his next deal could surpass Carey Price’s $10.5 million cap hit, potentially reaching $11 or $12 million annually. Molly Walker of the New York Post reported on June 2 that Shesterkin’s camp is targeting up to $12 million per year.
Pagnotta noted that the delay in negotiations might be due to Shesterkin’s camp waiting to see how the contract situation with Boston’s Jeremy Swayman unfolds before diving deeper into talks. Pagnotta believes Shesterkin is expected to become the highest-paid goaltender once Swayman finalizes his deal.
Shesterkin’s performance supports his high contract aspirations. The Russian goaltender has a strong record of 135-59-17 in 208 games, with a 2.43 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage, and he won the Vezina Trophy in the 2022 season. His playoff statistics are also impressive, with a 23-20 record and a .928 save percentage in 44 postseason games.
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