Igor Shesterkin on Rangers contract talks: ‘you never know what can happen’
At least this time when asked about working out a contract extension with the New York Rangers, Igor Shesterkin didn’t claim to not understand the question because he doesn’t speak English.
That’s how the star goalie jokingly handled an inquiry last June on breakup day after the Rangers were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in six games in the Eastern Conference Final.
Friday at MSG Training Center, Shesterkin provided some answers but no update on where talks with the Rangers stand, less than 10 months before he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
What he did say was mostly positive. Mostly.
“I love the organization, I love the team, I love the fans,” Shesterkin told reporters. “So, of course, it would be great to stay here. But you never know what can happen.”
It’s that last part that could send a shiver down the back of Rangers general manager Chris Drury. It’s a simple, and true, statement. But it does sound a bit ominous.
Drury already stated earlier in the week that signing Shesterkin to a long-term contract is a priority, as well it should be.
“We’re going to do everything we can to make sure he’s here for a long time,” Drury said Tuesday before camp started.
It’s difficult to imagine the Rangers failing to strike a deal with Shesterkin. The 28-year-old was their best player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last spring, led them to the conference final two times in the past three years and won the Vezina Trophy as top NHL goalie in 2021-22. NHL Network named Shesterkin the League’s No. 1 goalie heading into the 2024-25 season.
But you never know what can happen, as he said, when it comes to negotiating a contract with a star player.
Related: How Igor Shesterkin could pass Henrik Lundqvist as best goalie in Rangers history
Contract negotiations with Rangers? ‘I don’t care about it,’ goalie says
Shesterkin reportedly wants to become the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, surpassing Carey Price’s $10.5 million average annual value. Some reports have his side shooting for 14 percent of the salary cap, so over $12 million per season.
The Rangers are already up against the cap ceiling and will also need to re-sign Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller next offseason. Each will be an RFA with arbitration rights. Each is in line for a significant raise.
So, no matter how badly the Rangers want to sign Shesterkin long term, it’s not like they can hand him a blank check. When it comes to that much money, anything can happen.
Shesterkin could create a crazy bidding way if he hits the open market next summer. Few expect things to get to that point. But Shesterkin remains unsigned, and this could carry into the season.
“I have one more year, so I don’t care about it,” Shesterkin said. “It’s work for my agent. I just want to be focused on my game and practice every day.”
The Rangers and Shesterkin could also be waiting to see how the stalemate between the Boston Bruins and their No. 1 goalie Jeremy Swayman plays out. Swayman is an RFA negotiating for a long-term deal and didn’t report to training camp. He’s also younger and less decorated than Shesterkin.
But whatever Swayman finally signs for will play some part in what Shesterkin gets paid.
The Shesterkin negotiations don’t appear to be as difficult, or even acrimonious, as Swayman with the Bruins. Remember, those sides had an unpleasant arbitration encounter a year ago.
None of that negative history bogs down talks between the Rangers and Shesterkin. And a deal most likely is on the horizon at some point.
But, again, you never know what can happen.
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