Throughout their history, the New York Rangers have enjoyed success with each of their three primary starting goaltenders. Henrik Lundqvist, Mike Dunham, and Mike Richter have all been instrumental to the team’s success. The Rangers and the National Hockey League have recognized Igor Shesterkin as a top-tier goaltender. Keeping Shesterkin with the Rangers, though, will come at a hefty price. In 2025–26, the projected cap is $92 million, and Shesterkin’s camp is reportedly seeking a deal that starts with 14% of the cap. This would result in a netminding record of $12.9 million, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.
It will be worth it for the franchise to pay Shesterkin or near to his demands. Since becoming a full-time Ranger in the midst of the 2019–20 season, Shesterkin has produced unbelievable regular season statistics. She has a career record of 213 games played, with a goals-against average of 1.43, a save percentage of.921, and 15 shutouts. The 2021–22 season was his best regular season overall, and he was named the league’s most valuable player that year.
In 44 playoff games, Shesterkin has posted an impressive record, a goals-against average of 23-20-0 and a save percentage of.928%. Even though his team has lost three straight playoff games—two to the Lightning and one to the Panthers—he has been outstanding in those games.
If Drury can secure Shesterkin’s long-term contract, it will relieve some pressure on him and put the Rangers in a strong position to be Cup contenders in the future, even though he has a busy offseason ahead of him.
