The New York Rangers re-signed restricted free agent and Russian Goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a four-year contract worth $22.666 million, or $5.66 million per season. This contract carries him through the 2024-25 season.
Hearing Igor Shesterkin’s new deal with #NYR is 4 years, $22.666 million. AAV of $5.65 million.
That is the most money ever handed out – in AAV and total dollars – to an NHL goaltender on his second contract.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) August 9, 2021
Igor Shesterkin Re-Signs With the New York Rangers For Four Years
Over his short two-year NHL career Shesterkin has surprised many since being originally drafted by the Rangers in the fourth round, 118th overall of the 2014 draft. He has played 47 career games with 43 starts leading to a career save percentage of .921 and a career goals-against-average of 2.59.
With the shortened season, last season’s statistics were still impressive; the young goaltender played more than half the season with 35 games and started in 31 of them. He also recorded a .916SV% and a 2.62 GAA, while also tallying two shoutouts during that time.
As Seravalli mentioned in this tweet, this is the most money handed out to an NHL goaltender on his second contract. That tells a lot as to how much the Rangers’ organisation thinks of him.
What This Means For The Future
Shesterkins calm between the pipes will continue to benefit the Rangers, who still have a relatively young roster, particularly defensively. The 25-year-old has done game time with the Rangers affiliate team the Hartford Wolfpack. Yet, he is still a relative unknown with much potential going forward. The departure of Henrik Lundqvist left a massive goaltending void for the Rangers. And the organisation is still attempting to fill it.
Shesterkin is their best bet at present. The problem still remains of the young Russian’s inexperience, which was more evident during the playoffs. The Rangers other goaltending options are inconsistent Alexandar Georgiev and on the decline Keith Kinkaid. Both relieve pressure for Shesterkin when needed but still puts pressure on the shoulders of a goaltender will limited game time.
However, fortunutly Shesterkin is not fazed by facing potentially 30 plus shots a night and with time will be a real asset to the Rangers. Due to his short NHL career his contract does not break the bank and will allow options in the next few years when Georgeiev becomes a RFA. The Rangers have mostly ran true with their rebuild plan, and its working. They will be a valid playoff contender in the next few seasons.
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