In a significant move that reshapes the landscape of NHL contracts for goaltenders, Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers have finalized a deal that not only secures their star player long-term but also sets a new financial benchmark in the league. The Rangers have extended Shesterkin's contract for eight years, valued at an impressive $92 million, making him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history.
This substantial contract surpasses the previous record held by Carey Price, whose deal with the Montreal Canadiens stood at $84 million. Shesterkin's new contract is set to take effect in the 2025-26 season, with an average annual value (AAV) of $11.5 million. It will have considerable implications on the Rangers' salary cap, maintaining its impact through to the 2032-33 season.
Shesterkin's Rise and Recognition
Shesterkin’s value to the Rangers cannot be understated. Since joining the team, he has consistently demonstrated himself as one of the premier goaltenders in the league. A Vezina Trophy winner, awarded to the NHL's top goaltender, Shesterkin's track record includes saving 79.5 goals above average from 2021 to 2024. During this period, his save percentage was a remarkable .921, ranking second among regular starters.
The 2022 season was particularly outstanding for Shesterkin, as he saved 44.8 goals above average, bolstering his reputation as an elite goaltender. Even this season, while experiencing a slight dip in performance with a .908 save percentage, he has still managed to save 4.52 goals above average, proving his sustained proficiency in the net.
Strategic Contracts in the NHL
This move by the Rangers is reflective of a broader trend in the NHL, where teams are increasingly willing to extend substantial financial commitments to secure pivotal talent over lengthy terms. The Golden Knights, for example, have locked in Brayden McNabb with a three-year extension at $3.65 million per year. Similarly, the Toronto Maple Leafs have extended Jake McCabe's contract through the 2028-29 season, with an AAV of $4.51 million.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues secured Jake Neighbours through the 2026-27 season, following an impressive last season where he scored 27 goals in 77 games. This strategic approach aims to build stable cores around which franchises can cultivate competitive teams over successive seasons.
Implications and Industry Reactions
The decision to reward Shesterkin with such a lucrative contract underscores the importance NHL teams place on elite goaltending. A reliable goaltender can significantly alter a team's fortunes, and Shesterkin's effect on the Rangers has been palpable. Teams are keenly aware of the necessity of having a solid last line of defense and are willing to invest heavily to assure it.
In recent moves, the Senators acquired Linus Ullmark, the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner, and secured him with a four-year extension. Similarly, the Bruins managed to renegotiate terms with Jeremy Swayman during the offseason to keep him on their roster.
Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars has also shown his mettle with 19 postseason appearances, notching a .913 save percentage, alongside saving 4.1 goals above average. These contracts underline the vital importance that franchises place on shore up their goaltending options, assuring that their backbones are both strong and stable for the foreseeable future.
As NHL teams continue to navigate the complexities of salary caps and roster management, the emphasis on securing top-tier goaltending talent like Igor Shesterkin's sets a precedent. It remains to be seen how this financial commitment will balance against the cap pressures but, for now, the Rangers and their fanbase can relish the fact that Shesterkin will be a cornerstone of their defense for many seasons to come.