Igor Shesterkin's Record-Breaking Contract: A New Era for NHL Goalies
The New York Rangers have taken a significant step in solidifying their future in the net by inking an unprecedented deal with their star goaltender, Igor Shesterkin. The organization announced that Shesterkin has agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth a monumental $92 million, making him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.
With this deal, Shesterkin surpasses the previous record held by Carey Price, who signed an $84 million contract. This landmark agreement will keep Shesterkin in New York through the 2032-33 season, ensuring that the Rangers have one of the league’s elite talents guarding their net for the foreseeable future.
A Statistically Dominant Goaltender
Shesterkin's performance over the past few years justifies the Rangers' investment. From 2021 to 2024, he saved an impressive 79.5 goals above average, recording a .921 save percentage which ranked second among regular starters in the league. His remarkable showing during the 2022 season, where he saved 44.8 goals above average, highlighted his ability to significantly impact the game and provide the Rangers with a solid foundation on defense.
However, the current season has presented some challenges for Shesterkin. His save percentage has dipped slightly to .908, and he has managed to save 4.52 goals above average so far this season. Despite this minor decline, the Rangers clearly believe in his long-term potential to deliver at a high level consistently.
Cap Implications for the Rangers
Shesterkin's new contract, starting in the 2025-26 season, will have an average annual value of $11.5 million, significantly impacting the Rangers' salary cap. This commitment underscores the team's certainty in Shesterkin's value as a cornerstone for success and a key figure in their quest for future championships. Meanwhile, the financial landscape of the NHL shows a trend towards investing heavily in securing elite talent on long-term deals, ensuring that pivotal players like Shesterkin remain with their teams for years to come.
League-Wide Moves
The Rangers aren't the only team making moves to secure their roster. Across the league, the Golden Knights have penned Brayden McNabb to a three-year extension valued at $3.65 million annually. The Toronto Maple Leafs have similarly locked down Jake McCabe through the 2028-29 season with an average annual value of $4.51 million, while the St. Louis Blues extended the contract of Jake Neighbours through the 2026-27 season. Neighbours, drafted 26th overall in 2020, is coming off a strong season with 27 goals scored in 77 games.
Other notable developments include the Dallas Stars' reliance on Jake Oettinger, who has posted a .913 save percentage over 19 postseason appearances, and Linus Ullmark's transfer to the Senators, where he signed a four-year extension following his Vezina Trophy win in 2023.
These moves reflect the NHL's ongoing efforts to expand financial commitments towards elite players, reinforcing their rosters' depth and talent in key positions. Jeremy Swayman also re-signed with the Bruins after an offseason negotiation, further illustrating the league's trend of securing core players with long-term financial arrangements.
In conclusion, Igor Shesterkin's new contract is a testament to the growing value of elite goaltenders in the NHL. By securing Shesterkin for eight more years, the New York Rangers are not just investing in a player; they are cementing a crucial part of their team's identity and structure in the pursuit of success at the highest levels of hockey. As the league continues to prioritize long-term player commitments, Shesterkin's groundbreaking deal marks a pivotal moment in this evolving landscape.