The New York Rangers reportedly received troubling news on Tuesday morning, as ESPN’s Kevin Weekes revealed that star goaltender Igor Shesterkin turned down an eight-year, $88 million contract extension. This potential deal, which carried an $11 million annual average, would have made Shesterkin the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, surpassing Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens, who earned $10.5 million annually for the last six seasons.
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told the Stanley Cup contending & cap spending @NYRangers offer of $88M / 11M AAV has been rejected by G Shesterkin.
Igor has rejected the highest Goalie contract in @NHL history from #NYR . #HockeyX pic.twitter.com/assw8DGUH1— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) October 8, 2024
Shesterkin is in the final year of a four-year, $22.67 million contract he signed in August 2021, with a cap hit of $5.67 million. According to Mollie Walker of the New York Post, Shesterkin is reportedly seeking a raise to $12 million annually. Time is running out for the Rangers to secure an extension, as the Russian goaltender has made it clear he doesn’t want to negotiate once the season starts. The Rangers kick off their 2024-25 season against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night.
In September, Shesterkin expressed his affection for the Rangers organization, saying, “I love the team, the fans, and the organization, so of course I’d love to stay, but you never know what can happen.”
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Rangers remain optimistic about reaching an agreement with Shesterkin. The 28-year-old, who won the 2022 Vezina Trophy and has been an NHL All-Star the past two seasons, is considered the best goaltender in the league. Friedman said, “I believe it’s going to work out. The Rangers have decided they’ll pay him, and it’s just a matter of finalizing the number.”
Shesterkin had a strong 2023-24 season, posting a 36-17-2 record with a 2.58 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and four shutouts. He also excelled in the playoffs, with a 10-6 record, a 2.34 GAA, and a .927 save percentage.