Curious about Igor Shesterkin’s record-breaking contract with the New York Rangers? Signed as the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, Shesterkin’s deal not only solidifies his status as the team’s cornerstone but also raises questions about the Rangers’ future roster moves and cap management.
Here’s what we know about the contract, its implications for the team, and how Shesterkin’s stellar career justifies this historic investment.
Igor Shesterkin signs with New York Rangers
Igor Shesterkin has signed an eight-year, $92 million contract with the New York Rangers. The deal, with an average annual value (AAV) of $11.5 million, makes him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. This contract secures one of the league’s top goaltenders for the team’s future. This move ensures stability for the Rangers during a crucial period for the franchise.
The contract comes as Shesterkin enters the final year of his previous four-year, $22.6 million deal, which he signed in 2021. This extension prevents him from becoming an unrestricted free agent in July 2025. General Manager Chris Drury emphasized Shesterkin’s value to the team, highlighting his performance, leadership, and commitment to the franchise. Shesterkin’s extension follows the recent trade of captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, a move that cleared significant cap space and made this deal possible.
The Rangers freed up salary cap space to accommodate Shesterkin’s extension by trading captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. This trade, which offloaded Trouba’s $8 million cap hit, enabled the Rangers to allocate funds toward retaining their franchise goalie. General Manager Chris Drury expressed satisfaction with securing Shesterkin, highlighting his consistent impact on and off the ice.
Shesterkin’s signing coincides with a turbulent period for the Rangers, who are 2-7-0 in their last nine games. Despite this, Drury stressed the need to keep core talent. He believes Shesterkin’s presence secures the team’s goaltending for years to come. The deal keeps the Rangers competitive, especially with the NHL salary cap expected to rise, offering added flexibility.
Over the past three seasons, Shesterkin has excelled in save percentage and goals-against average, solidifying his elite status in the NHL. The Rangers’ investment shows their dedication to creating a championship-level team with Shesterkin as the foundation.
