NHL Rumors: Top insider believes Igor Shesterkin's contract extension could massively impact Juuse Saros

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Jun 07, 2024 19:12 GMT

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman speculated that Igor Shesterkin's contract extension could affect Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros' contract. Friedman talked about it on the 32 Thoughts podcast, discussing the recent contract signings in the league.

Seth Jones signed an eight-year, $76 million deal on July 23, 2021, with the Chicago Blackhawks, setting a new benchmark. This deal, along with others like the Edmonton Oilers' Darnell Nurse's, has changed the landscape for defensemen's contracts.

"In July on the 23rd, Seth Jones signed a deal ..." Friedman said. "And all of a sudden, this Darnell Nurse deal changed, and it changed for a lot of defensemen specifically. That's why I think this is a big story again, much like the way that the Seth Jones of the world changed the landscape for players like Darnell Nurse."

Shesterkin's potential extension is expected to have a similar impact, particularly on Juuse Saros. Friedman continued:

"Whatever ends up happening here with Igor Shesterkin is going to absolutely impact Juuse Saros, because if he allows it to and doesn't just rush to do a deal before Shesterkin sets a new bar, that's why I think it's a big deal."

Saros is eligible for an extension as he enters the final year of his current four-year, $20 million contract ($5 million AAV). Both Saros and Shesterkin are key players approaching July 1, when they can negotiate extensions.

Friedman suggested that Saros' agent, Kevin Epp of Titan Sports Management, may wait to see how the Rangers handle Shesterkin's contract. This strategy aims to set a new baseline for Saros' extension. Both goalies are likely eyeing Connor Hellebuyck's terms as a reference point.

Igor Shesterkin's contract and expectations around it.

After the New York Rangers' playoff exit, goalie Igor Shesterkin's contract status is in focus. Shesterkin maintained a .926 save percentage and 2.34 GAA, despite facing 524 shots in 16 games.

In a post-playoff interview, he deflected questions about his contract and future with the Rangers.

"I'm sorry, I don't speak English," Shesterkin said to the reporter.

Rangers center Vincent Trocheck praised Igor Shesterkin's performance.

"Shesty, I mean, he was our best player by a significant margin in the playoffs." Trocheck said after Rangers exited playoffs. " If there was one guy I thought needed to hear that right after the loss, to kind of keep his spirits up, I just told him he was our best player and he deserved better."

Insider David Pagnotta suggests Shesterkin's camp is seeking a deal worth up to $12 million annually. Pagnotta mentioned that formal contract discussions will begin soon. He might become the highest-paid goalie in NHL history by surpassing Carey Price's $10.5 million AAV.