The New York Rangers and star goalie Igor Shesterkin are reportedly working toward a long-term, record-breaking contract extension, though negotiations have been kept quiet. On Sirius XM NHL Network Radio, Pagnotta mentioned that while discussions have been low-key since the offseason began, both sides are focused on securing a deal that would keep Shesterkin with the Rangers for the rest of his career.
Shesterkin, entering the final year of his current four-year, $22.7 million contract, is aiming to become the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL. His current cap hit is $5.66 million, but his next deal could surpass Carey Price’s $10.5 million cap hit, potentially reaching $11 or $12 million annually, as previously reported by Molly Walker of the New York Post.
Pagnotta also noted that part of the delay in negotiations may be due to Shesterkin’s camp monitoring the contract situation of Boston’s Jeremy Swayman, with Shesterkin likely waiting to see where that deal lands before finalizing his own. Ultimately, Shesterkin is expected to become the highest-paid goaltender in the league.
His performance backs up such a contract, as he boasts a 135-59-17 record, a 2.43 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage in 208 games. He also won the Vezina Trophy in 2022, and his playoff numbers are equally strong, with a 23-20 record and a .928 save percentage in 44 postseason starts.
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