Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette is sounding the alarm for the New York Rangers.
The Rangers, in Bissonnette's eyes, should try to secure Igor Shesterkin's contract extension as soon as possible before the star goalie becomes a high-priced free agent.
ESPN's Kevin Weekes originally reported the news about Shesterkin turning down an offer from the Rangers quoted at $88 million over eight years.
The report came on the verge of the start of the regular season with the goalie seemingly having issued a negotiating deadline for Oct. 9, although that doesn't look like it's set in stone, according to Elliotte Friedman's latest reports.
On the "Spittin Chiclets" podcast episode published on Oct. 15, Bissonnette shared his concerns with the ongoing Shesterkin saga, explaining that the Rangers may face major trouble if they don't finalize a deal soon.
“(Shesterkin's) agent told the Rangers, 'Offer something now before the season starts, but once the season starts, we’re not negotiating,'” Bissonnette said. "I think if the (Rangers) get to his number (Shesterkin's preferred salary figure), that's (expletive), and they'll accept it."
Shesterkin, regarded as one of the top goalies in the league, turned down an offer worth $11 million annually. According to Friedman, Shesterkin is not targeting becoming the highest-paid goalie in the NHL, but actually the highest-paid player in the Rangers roster.
Friedman believes Shesterkin’s camp is likely targeting a salary of around $12.58 million per year, which would match Panarin’s percentage of the salary cap.
Bissonnette believes Shesterkin’s value could soar to $12 or $12.5 million per season, especially if he tests free agency.
"If I were the Rangers, after the eight (years) $11 (million) was denied, I would have offered 100 grand more per year than what Panarin is making,” Bissonnette said, "and I would have offered it now.
"I think that next summer, you're looking at $12 to $12.5 (million)... and why not just get it over with now, because you know you have to sign him."
The threat of losing Shesterkin, or having his price driven up by other interested teams in free agency, looms large for the Rangers, something Bissonnette warned the Rangers about.
“The Rangers don’t have an option other than to sign him,” he said. “So they’d be better served to complete that now than later.”
Through three games this season, Shesterkin has put up a 2-0-1 record allowing 2.28 goals against on average and posting a .921 save percentage.
