Igor Shesterkin’s contract situation has emerged as a key storyline for the New York Rangers this season, with no resolution in sight. The star goaltender reportedly turned down an $11 million-per-year offer before the season began and appears in no hurry to negotiate a new deal. Shesterkin’s camp has requested that talks remain on hold until after the season, leaving the Rangers in a state of uncertainty.
According to Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh of The Athletic, the situation has grown increasingly complex, with little communication from Shesterkin’s side since the pause. League executives are now questioning whether the Rangers can retain him even with an increased offer of $12.5 million per year.
“If Shesterkin reaches free agency, he would become the top priority for at least half the league—possibly more,” according to The Athletic. A Western Conference assistant GM noted, “There’d be 25 teams trying to figure out how to sign him, even if you’re talking $13–14 million [per year].”
A significant factor in these negotiations is the NHL’s anticipated salary cap increase. Sources familiar with NHLPA projections suggest the cap could rise to as much as $95 million next season, up from $88 million this year. This increase could alter the dynamics of Shesterkin’s demands, as the star goaltender has sought 14% of the cap for his next deal rather than a fixed annual figure. Under a $95 million cap, 14% would equate to $13.3 million per year, a number that could make him more affordable for several teams.
Franchises like the Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens may be willing to meet that price, especially as younger teams look to secure one of the league’s top goaltenders during their rebuilds. However, it remains unclear if the Rangers could match such offers. The Athletic added, “Shesterkin could get that much on a seven-year deal from a handful of teams, and you’d think some younger clubs would be eager to lock in one of the top goalies in the league.”
But New York still has one advantage over other teams: they can give an eight-year contract, which might raise the contract’s overall value. The Rangers’ ability to keep Shesterkin will ultimately depend on their roster’s competitiveness and stability in the face of early-season setbacks and an impending retooling process, in addition to the amount of money required to re-sign him.
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