NHL Rumors: Top insider compares Igor Shesterkin's next contract to that of $112M Oilers star

By Zachary Roberts

Modified Oct 09, 2024 16:20 GMT

Igor Shesterkin should be one of the next goalkeepers to receive a significant extension to his current contract. A few have signed recently, and the New York Rangers are deep in talks with Shesterkin. The goalie has reportedly turned down their most recent offer.

One NHL insider believes the price tag is only going to go up. The Rangers reportedly tried to make Shesterkin one of the highest-paid goalies in the league. But Pierre LeBrun of TSN thinks they may need to expand the scope outside of just goalies.

LeBrun said, via The Athletic:

"If Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl is worth $14 million per year on his extension that kicks in next season — a contract very much influenced by the growing salary cap — how much is the best goalie in the world worth?

LeBrun believes that Leon Draisaitl's $112 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers is impacting this contract dispute. While goalies are a different type of player, usually a cheaper one than the rest of them on the ice, value is value.

He continued:

"I don’t believe for a second that Shesterkin’s camp is asking for Draisaitl money, but it’s obviously above $11 million. So I ask again, as I did a few weeks ago, is it $12 million or $13 million that gets it done?"

$11 million AAV, more than both Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, who recently signed for $8.5 million AAV, was evidently not enough for the Rangers to get Shesterkin.

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Igor Shesterkin is aware that his time might be up

Igor Shesterkin has expressed a desire to stay with the New York Rangers, but it is not going to come without a significant cost. He has already declined an eight-year, $88 million deal.

Igor Shesterkin has not signed an extension yet (Imagn)

In September, the goalie said, via ESPN:

"I love the team, I love the fans, so, of course it will be great to stay here. But you never know what's going to happen."

So far, nothing has happened that suggests he's about to stay with the Rangers for the foreseeable future. The two sides are still going at it, but Shesterkin has been aware that things might not turn out how they all hope.