Former New York Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto shared his thoughts on Igor Shesterkin’s contract talks with the team.
“I can’t understand how you’d let a player like him walk,” Del Zotto commented during Fanatics Fest in an interview with Forever Blueshirts.
Del Zotto, who spent years playing in front of Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist, is well-versed in recognizing elite goaltending talent.
Although Shesterkin became eligible to sign an extension on July 1st, no deal has been reached yet. He is currently in the final year of his four-year, $22.667 million contract, with a cap hit of $5.667 million.
Igor Shesterkin Wants To Be Highest Paid Goaltender
Shesterkin has made it clear that he wants to be the highest-paid goalie in the league as negotiations continue, which is why the lack of a deal is so surprising. Letting go of a franchise goalie doesn’t make sense for a team that’s ready to win now.
Shesterkin has arguably been the Rangers’ best player, finishing the season strong despite a slow start. In the regular season, he posted a 36-17-2 record with a 2.58 GAA and a .913 save percentage. He truly excelled in the playoffs, particularly in the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers, especially in Game 6.
In Game 6, New York was outshot 34-24 and 202-151 throughout the series against Florida. The Panthers also held a 468-372 edge in shot attempts over the series.
This is exactly what a franchise goalie should do—give their team a chance to win. Over 16 playoff games, Shesterkin compiled a 10-6 record with a 2.34 GAA and a .927 save percentage.
These numbers give Shesterkin significant leverage in his pursuit to become the highest-paid goaltender. Currently, Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens leads with a $10.5 million AAV, followed by Sergei Bobrovsky at $10 million, and then Andrei Vasilevskiy at $9.5 million.
Contract negotiations for Shesterkin are expected to start at around $10 million and could rise. Reports indicate Shesterkin is seeking something in the $11-$12 million range.
Is this too high for general manager Chris Drury, and would he consider walking away from a franchise goalie like Shesterkin? There’s a reason why NHL Network ranked him as the top goalie heading into the 2024-25 season.
The Rangers would prefer to keep Shesterkin at a salary closer to Connor Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million AAV. However, if Shesterkin continues to perform at a Vezina Trophy level, his price will only increase.
If he reaches free agency, other teams would be willing to meet his asking price. While each pending free agent situation is unique, it doesn’t make sense for the Rangers to walk away from a franchise goalie of Shesterkin’s caliber.
Be the first to comment