Igor Shesterkin deal with Rangers said to be richest for goalie in NHL history
Igor Shesterkin Signs Record-Breaking Contract Extension with New York Rangers
In a historic move, Igor Shesterkin has become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history after signing an eight-year contract extension with the New York Rangers. The deal, reportedly worth $92 million US with an average annual value of $11.5 million, surpasses Carey Price’s previous record-setting contract with the Montreal Canadiens.
The announcement of Shesterkin’s extension came on Saturday, with the Rangers not disclosing the financial details in their official news release. The 29-year-old goaltender, who took over the reins from the legendary Henrik Lundqvist, has been a standout performer since his NHL debut in 2020. With an impressive record of 144-68-18, a 2.47 goals-against average, and a .920 save percentage, Shesterkin has solidified his position as one of the league’s top goaltenders.
Following the Rangers’ 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night, Shesterkin declined to comment on the extension, simply stating, “I cannot say anything else. Maybe we can talk about it tomorrow.” Despite his reserved nature off the ice, Shesterkin’s on-ice performance speaks volumes, earning him the prestigious Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goalie in the 2021-22 season.
General manager Chris Drury has been proactive in securing the team’s key players for the long term, with Shesterkin’s extension marking a significant milestone. Earlier in the season, Drury also inked a seven-year extension with rising star forward Alexis Lafreniere. The focus now shifts to securing a new contract for defenseman Ryan Lindgren, further solidifying the Rangers’ core roster for the foreseeable future.
With Shesterkin’s record-breaking contract extension, the Rangers have made a bold statement of their commitment to building a championship-caliber team. As the team continues to excel on the ice, fans can look forward to seeing Shesterkin guard the net for years to come, anchoring the Rangers’ quest for Stanley Cup glory.
