"More than Price’s $10.5 million AAV" - Top insider weighs in on Igor Shesterkin's next potentially record-breaking NHL contract

By Zachary Roberts

Modified Sep 25, 2024 16:27 GMT

Igor Shesterkin is on the brink of a new contract that NHL insiders believe could be historic. Thanks to his talent and performance, he's in line for a big deal from the New York Rangers. With the recent rise in salary caps,, there's a good chance that Shesterkin will set records.

According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the team has already expressed a willingness to exceed the current highest AAV for a goalie contract, which is held by Carey Price at $10.5 million AAV. Pierre LeBrun reports that the Rangers are prepared to surpass that figure.

"His next contract will be double digits AAV, to be sure, aiming for more than the $10 million average annual value Sergei Bobrovsky received from the Florida Panthers in 2019 and the $10.5 million Carey Price got from the Canadiens in 2017, the two highest goalie AAVs currently on the books in the NHL," LeBrun said via The Athletic.

He added the hockey world knows, thanks to insider sources, that the Rangers will go above the current record if they are necessary.

"The Rangers have indicated to Shesterkin’s camp that they’re willing to pay him more than Price’s $10.5 million AAV and thus make him the highest-paid goalie in league history."

Price signed with the Montreal Canadiens at that $10.5 million AAV in 2017 and salary caps have risen since then. Shesterkin is bordering on unrestricted free agency, and the Rangers may extend him in historic fashion before the 28-year-old makes it there.

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How much Igor Shesterkin might sign for

Igor Shesterkin is poised to become the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. How much he will make, be it from the Rangers or another team, remains to be seen. Pierre LeBrun speculated that the price could rise significantly if he hits the open market.

What will Igor Shesterkin sign for? (Credits: IMAGN)

Via The Athletic, he said:

"Can you imagine having the top goalie in the world, in his prime, hit UFA? One with a .928 career playoff save percentage?" LeBrun said (per the Athletic).

That led to speculation that Shesterkin might make $11 million or as high as $13 million AAV. He believes the Rangers have a limit, but that the price could get very high. For comparison, Leon Draisaitl signed the most expensive contract in NHL history at $14 million this offseason.