Igor Shesterkin Rejects Record-Breaking Rangers Offer, Eyes Bigger Contract
In a stunning turn of events, Igor Shesterkin, the New York Rangers' star goalie, has reportedly declined a massive contract extension that would have made him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. According to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, Shesterkin turned down an eight-year, $88 million deal with an annual average value of $11 million. This would have eclipsed Carey Price's $10.5 million salary, which currently holds the top spot among goaltenders. Shesterkin, however, seems to be aiming for a more lucrative deal, indicating that he values his place among the NHL’s elite.
Despite the high stakes of these negotiations, Shesterkin has remained focused on his on-ice performance. During the preseason, he downplayed the contract talks, stating, "It’s work for my agent. I just want to be focused on my game and on practice every day." As the Rangers prepare to open their 2024-25 season against the Pittsburgh Penguins, this contract standoff has become a significant storyline for both the team and its fans.
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The Rangers have been eager to secure Shesterkin for the long term, with team president Chris Drury expressing hope that the goalie will remain with the organization for years to come. But as the team heads into the new season without a deal, uncertainty looms. Shesterkin’s camp is reportedly targeting $12 million per year, further complicating the negotiations as the Rangers also have other key players' contracts to consider next summer.
Shesterkin’s performance over the past season has been nothing short of impressive. He posted a .927 save percentage during the 2023-24 playoffs and a solid .913 save percentage in the regular season. While the Rangers and Shesterkin clearly see his value, finding the right balance between cap space and a competitive offer will be a delicate challenge for the team.
If Shesterkin continues to perform at an elite level and remains a pending unrestricted free agent, the situation could become even more precarious for the Rangers. As one of the best goalies in the league, Shesterkin holds considerable leverage, and his decision to decline the Rangers' offer may signal his intent to test the open market unless the team can meet his demands.
While Shesterkin has expressed love for the Rangers, the organization, and the fans, his future in New York is far from certain. The clock is ticking, and as the season progresses, both sides will need to weigh the pros and cons of their next move. Whether Shesterkin ultimately signs with the Rangers or explores other options, this negotiation has already set a new benchmark for goaltender contracts across the NHL.
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