The upcoming contract negotiations between the New York Rangers and star goalie Igor Shesterkin are set to be one of the most captivating storylines of the NHL this year. It’s not just about the fact that the Rangers are eager to retain the services of the goaltender who many consider to be the best in the world.
At 28 years old, Shesterkin is a pending unrestricted free agent, setting the stage for an intriguing financial negotiation in a position that has faced financial challenges in recent years. His agents, Rick Komarow and Maxim Moliver, are believed to be aiming to revolutionize the goalie market with Shesterkin’s next contract, even though they have chosen to remain mum on the subject. However, it is evident that they are looking to surpass current top goalie contracts in the NHL.
Speculation abounds that Shesterkin’s next contract will exceed the $10 million average annual value earned by Sergei Bobrovsky from the Florida Panthers in 2019 and the $10.5 million commanded by Carey Price from the Montreal Canadiens in 2017—currently the highest goalie AAVs in the league. The Rangers have reportedly signaled their willingness to offer Shesterkin more than Price’s $10.5 million AAV, potentially making him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history.
Despite ongoing discussions between Shesterkin’s camp and the Rangers, a deal has yet to be finalized. The question remains: How high will the contract go? Would it reach $11.5 million, $12 million, $12.5 million, or even $13 million? Considering Shesterkin’s talent and potential value in free agency, the possibility of securing the top goalie in the world at his peak without a contract is a notion that could raise eyebrows in the NHL.
Shesterkin’s camp may argue that their demands are justified given the rising salary cap in the league, and point to other goalie contracts that may have fallen short. While Connor Hellebuyck’s $6.167 million AAV over seven years with the Winnipeg Jets may seem substantial, it also illustrates a cautious approach taken by some players and agents when faced with uncertain market conditions. Hellebuyck’s camp opted to stay put after testing the market waters and finding limited interest, in a move that ultimately favored them.
The negotiations between Shesterkin and the Rangers could potentially redefine the goalie market landscape in the NHL, with financial considerations and the league’s salary cap playing crucial roles in determining the outcome. The eyes of the hockey world will be closely watching as this high-stakes negotiation unfolds.
