Rangers GM plans to keep Igor Shesterkin, Alexis Lafreniere ‘long time’
Let’s be honest. General manager Chris Drury did not provide much of an update at all regarding the New York Rangers contract negotiations with Igor Shesterkin and Alexis Lafreniere when speaking with reporters before the start of training camp Tuesday.
That’s par for the course for the GM, and probably the best way to handle the organization’s business. Especially when it comes to expensive long-term contracts.
But Drury did make it crystal clear that he and the Rangers want their No. 1 goalie and budding star forward to remain with the club “for a long time.”
Now, that’s not exactly going out on a limb to make such a declaration. Shesterkin is, arguably, the best goalie in the game, the 2021-22 Vezina Trophy winner, and coming off another magnificent postseason run. Lafreniere is a former No. 1 overall draft pick that blossomed last season with 28 goals and 57 points before starring on the playoff stage, tying for the team lead with eight postseason goals.
What team executive wouldn’t want those two to stay long term?
But it’s still significant for Drury to share that sentiment, even though he’s not about to give up any details about negotiations or what length the Rangers are willing to go to get each signed.
Shesterkin is the more immediate issue at hand. The 28-year-old can be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. It’s believed he’s shooting to become the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, surpassing Carey Price, who averaged $10.5 million per season.
“We’re going to do everything we can to make sure he’s here for a long time,” Drury told reporters.
Lareniere turns 23 in October and can be an RFA with arbitration rights next summer. So, whereas there’s a deadline with Shesterkin — next July 1 — there’s less pressure to get a contract extension done with Lafreniere any time soon. That holds true for Lafreniere, too, because if he backs up his breakout 2023-24 season with an even better one this season, he’s going to bet setting himself up nicely, even though he’s three years removed from UFA status.
“In our eyes, he continues to get better and better,” Drury said about Lafreniere. “I’m not going to get into negotiations, but he certainly is an exciting young piece for us and one that we hope, just like Igor, is here for a long time.”
Related: Rangers, Igor Shesterkin ‘want to make (long-term deal) happen’: NHL insider
Chris Drury believes Rangers have had ‘good three years’ with him as GM
The biggest obstacle for Drury and the Rangers is the salary cap. The Rangers are right up against the cap and it’ll be a challenge to add big-money deals for not only Shesterkin and Lafreniere ahead of the 2025-26 season, but K’Andre Miller, as well. Like Lafreniere, the top-four defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights next summer.
Getting those three signed is a Rangers priority. And it could mean Ryan Lindgren, a UFA after this season, doesn’t get re-signed and/or captain Jacob Trouba is traded next offseason to clear his $8 million salary. That would open two big holes on the defense corps. So, yes, Drury has his work cut out for him.
As for Drury, himself, the GM was asked to evaluate his first three seasons as general manager of the Rangers.
“It’s been a real good three years, he said. “Obviously, our ultimate goal is to win the Cup. Personally, I’m always trying to find ways to be better at my job and to do things that allow us to compete for the Cup every year. That starts each and every year at training camp. Looking forward to having ‘Lavi’ (coach Peter Laviolette) for a second training camp and hope they have a good camp and another good regular season and give ourselves a chance to get in the playoffs.”
The Rangers have advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in two of Drury’s three seasons as GM. Each time they lost in six games, including last spring to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
New York also won the Presidents’ Trophy last season for having the best record in the NHL. They established franchise records for most wins (55) and points (114).
Now, as the Rangers look to remain a consistent Cup contender, Drury is aware that locking up Shesterkin and Lafreniere long term will greatly help them achieve that goal.
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