Igor Shesterkin could’ve gone into this NHL season as the highest-paid goaltender ever. But he passed.
The New York Rangers star recently turned down an eight-year, $88 million deal which would’ve secured the biggest bag by any at his position in league history. The 28-year-old veteran instead will ride out the final year of his four-year contract as he looks to reset the goalie market in a big way.
ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, who broke the news and is himself a former NHL goalie, doesn’t blame the two-time All-Star for wanting more than $11 million per year after establishing himself as one of the best in the business.
“Could (MSG) shade in mid-elevens, $11.5M or $11.75M? Maybe,” Weekes said in a video interview. “But the reality is if you keep going and pushing that number up for Shesterkin, and to no fault of his own, but then you might not be able to acquire that extra piece or two that’s required to get over the hump to get in the Stanley Cup final. That’s the challenge of the restrictions of the salary cap.”
Shesterkin, who is represented by agent Rick Komarow, would have surpassed Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price, who is currently the highest paid at his position earning $10.5 million per year. Price, though, hasn’t played in two years and his career is likely done. But that slight nudge over the top does not seem enough for the Russian star, who has been playing outside of the top 10 earners at his position.
These contract discussions around the NHL are happening as the league’s salary cap is expected to make a leap. The NHL salary cap this season is pegged at $88 million, but that number should exceed $100 million in two years thanks to the pandemic recovery, with escrow debt being paid off faster than anticipated. It has allowed the Rangers and other teams to make noteworthy offers to their top talent.
The Rangers got off to a strong start with a 6-0 season-opening win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on their quest to get to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in four years. Shesterkin personally is off to a solid start after tallying 29 saves and securing the first season-opening shutout by a Rangers goalie since 1956. Time will tell if Shesterkin ultimately decides to go elsewhere or if MSG Sports will make an offer sweet enough to keep him a Ranger for the foreseeable future.
