The 2024-25 goalie free-agent market could see a significant shift soon, as the New York Rangers are actively negotiating an extension with Igor Shesterkin. In a recent interview with RG.org, Shesterkin was asked about the possibility of a new deal with the Rangers.
“My agent, Maxim Moliver, is in discussions with the general manager,” Shesterkin said. “I can’t share much more. My main focus now is on getting ready for the season and being fully prepared both mentally and physically. It’s going to be an exciting season, and my agent will handle the contract talks.”
Like many elite players, Shesterkin is leaving the bulk of the negotiations to his agent. The 28-year-old Russian goaltender has had an outstanding five years in New York, with a 135-59-17 record in 208 starts, a .921 save percentage, and a 2.43 goals-against average. His four-year, $22.67 million contract is set to expire after the 2024-25 NHL season, at which point he would become one of the most sought-after free-agent goaltenders in recent memory.
According to HockeyReference, Shesterkin’s performance over the first five years of his career is comparable to goaltending legends like Roberto Luongo, Connor Hellebuyck, and Sergei Bobrovsky, all of whom secured lucrative contracts. Shesterkin is poised to match or exceed their salary benchmarks with his next deal.
The Moscow native is likely aiming for a salary exceeding $8.5 million per season, considering Hellebuyck’s seven-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets at an $8.5 million average annual value (AAV). A few months ago, Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic suggested that Shesterkin could seek as much as $12 million annually, potentially setting a new standard for goaltender salaries. While the Rangers could meet that demand, they also have several other contracts to address next summer.
In reality, Shesterkin’s next contract could fall between $9 million and $11 million annually, with Evolving-Hockey predicting a $9.455 million AAV on an eight-year deal. With his agent handling most of the negotiations, these talks could extend well into the 2024-25 NHL season. However, the Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender remains confident that a deal will be reached before he hits free agency next offseason.
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