New York Rangers’ Goaltender Igor Shesterkin Declines Record-Setting Contract Offer

Igor Shesterkin, the starting goaltender for the New York Rangers, has turned down an eight-year, $88 million contract offer, according to information provided to ESPN by Kevin Weekes. This offer, if accepted, would have made Shesterkin the highest-paid goaltender in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL), surpassing the previous record held by Carey Price, who signed an eight-year, $84 million deal with the Montreal Canadiens in 2017.

Shesterkin, aged 28, is currently entering the final year of a four-year, $22.67 million contract. Should he not reach a new agreement with the Rangers, he will become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the season. An All-Star during the 2021-22 season, Shesterkin also won the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s best goalie that same year. He recently completed a strong season, with a record of 36-17-2, a save percentage of .912, and a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.58.

“I love the team, I love the fans, so of course it will be great to stay here,” Shesterkin remarked during an interview in September. “But you never know what’s going to happen.” Since joining the Rangers, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, the Russian native has posted impressive career stats, including a 135-59-17 record, a .921 save percentage, and a 2.43 GAA.

The Rangers are gearing up for their upcoming regular-season opener against the Buffalo Sabres, with Shesterkin anticipated to start. Veteran goalie Jonathan Quick, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, will serve as the backup. Last season, the Rangers achieved significant success, winning the Presidents’ Trophy awarded to the top team in the regular season league standings. However, they faced defeat against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference finals.

New York’s management, led by General Manager Chris Drury, had offered Shesterkin this remarkable contract in hopes of retaining him as their franchise goalie. Reports indicate that the Rangers are not attempting to cap the term to six years, which would see Shesterkin through to the age of 34. Instead, they proposed the deal with long-term intentions, hoping to secure Shesterkin for the foreseeable future.