The New York Rangers have signed goalie Igor Shesterkin to a record-setting eight-year, $11.5 million average-annual-value contract, making him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. Shesterkin, drafted in 2014, emerged as one of the league’s top goaltenders in the 2021-22 season, winning the Vezina Trophy with impressive stats. Despite a slower start to the current season, he remains one of the world’s best goalies, especially in the playoffs.
The deal puts Shesterkin in a similar salary range to Artemi Panarin, the Rangers’ highest-paid player. With this contract in place, the team can now focus on other decisions, such as upgrading their roster for the upcoming seasons. The trade of captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks earlier in the day cleared cap space for Shesterkin’s extension to take effect in 2025-26.
Shesterkin’s new contract surpasses the previous highest average annual value for goalies held by Carey Price. Despite a slightly lower save percentage to start the season, Shesterkin has still been impressive, ranking seventh in the NHL for goals saved above expected. With this record-breaking contract, Shesterkin’s future with the Rangers is secure, and fans can look forward to seeing more of his stellar performances in the years to come.
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