The New York Rangers and star goaltender Igor Shesterkin are keeping contract talks under wraps, but reports suggest both sides are working towards securing a long-term, potentially record-breaking extension for Shesterkin.
During an appearance on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio, insider Pagnotta shared that while negotiations have been quiet since the offseason began, the goal remains a lengthy deal that would keep Shesterkin with the Rangers for the rest of his career.
“I know they had talks at the start of the offseason,” Pagnotta said. “Both parties want to work toward a long-term extension, which they do.” Shesterkin, who is in the final year of his four-year, $22.7 million contract, is looking to become the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender.
With a $5.66 million cap hit from his current contract, Shesterkin’s next deal could exceed Carey Price’s $10.5 million cap hit, potentially reaching $11 or $12 million annually. According to a June 2 report from Molly Walker of the New York Post, Shesterkin’s camp is eyeing as much as $12 million per year.
Pagnotta suggested the delay in negotiations may be due to Shesterkin’s side waiting to see the outcome of Boston goaltender Jeremy Swayman’s contract situation. “Shesterkin is monitoring that situation before fully diving into negotiations,” Pagnotta noted. “It’s likely Shesterkin will end up as the highest-paid goalie once Swayman signs his deal.”
Shesterkin’s performance backs up such a contract. Over 208 games, the Russian goaltender has posted a 135-59-17 record, a 2.43 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage. He also won the Vezina Trophy in 2022. In the playoffs, he holds a 23-20 record with a .928 save percentage across 44 starts.
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