Rangers’ Lessons from Igor Shesterkin as Leon Draisaitl Signs Huge Oilers Deal
While the New York Rangers were unlikely to pursue Leon Draisaitl in free agency next summer, they certainly took note of his massive contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, finalized on Tuesday. This deal is particularly relevant to the Rangers as they prepare to re-sign their own superstar, Igor Shesterkin, before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Although comparing Shesterkin to Draisaitl isn’t exactly a one-to-one comparison, there are enough similarities between the two situations for the Rangers to draw valuable insights.
To begin with, both players are 28 years old and among the best in the world at their respective positions. Shesterkin, who won the Vezina Trophy in 2022, is arguably the NHL’s top goaltender, having led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final last spring. Draisaitl, meanwhile, is one of the best forwards in the league, consistently in the conversation with his Oilers teammate Connor McDavid after three consecutive 100-point seasons and five out of the last six with triple-digit points.
Both Shesterkin and Draisaitl are cornerstone players for the teams that drafted them in 2014. Draisaitl expressed his deep loyalty to the Oilers, the only NHL team he has played for, and Shesterkin has similarly voiced his affection for New York and the Rangers. Had both players hit the free agent market on July 1, they would have likely been among the top targets, alongside players like Mitchell Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche—assuming Sidney Crosby re-signs with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Leon Draisaitl
Now, consider the financial implications. Draisaitl’s new contract is an eight-year deal worth $112 million, which averages out to a record-breaking $14 million per season starting in 2025-26. Shesterkin, on the other hand, is reportedly seeking to become the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, which would mean surpassing Carey Price’s $10.5 million AAV. A long-term deal for Shesterkin could push that figure north of $12 million per season.
Like the Oilers, the Rangers are also dealing with salary cap constraints. In addition to re-signing Shesterkin, they will need to secure deals for Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller before they become restricted free agents with arbitration rights next summer.
The main takeaway for the Rangers is how the Oilers managed their negotiations with Draisaitl, even while being pressed up against the salary cap. This approach could provide valuable lessons as the Rangers navigate their own contract discussions with Shesterkin.
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