Rangers Roundup: Igor Shesterkin’s big night, Chris Drury up for GM of the Year, and more
New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin took home his first Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie by a landslide.
The award is voted on by all 32 NHL general managers and he received 29 first-place votes. Shesterkin finished with 154 total points (29-3-0), 101 more points than second-place finisher Jacob Markstrom of the Calgary Flames. Nashville Predators Juuse Saros finished third.
Igor Shesterkin’s big night
Shesterkin had a monster season with a 36-13-4 record. He also led the league in both GAA (2.07) and SV% (.935). A remarkable accomplishment in a season where scoring was up. Per Hockey-Reference, in 2021-22 the 3.14 goals per game average matched the output of the 1995-96 campaign. The NHL has only cracked over 3 goals per game three other times in that 26 year span.
“It’s good to play on the New York Rangers, incredible feelings,” Shesterkin said. “I would like to thank Rangers fans. It was my dream to play in the NHL and to play in front of you at MSG was incredible.”
Shesterkin was also up for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP. The award is voted on by members of the PHWA, who gave Auston Matthews 119 out of 195 first-place votes. In total, he received 1,630 votes with last year’s winner Connor McDavid getting 29 first-place votes (1,111 total) and Shesterkin placing third with 24 first-place votes (738 total).
The NHL announced it’s First All-Star Team with Shesterkin receiving the honor. Auston Matthews (C), Johnny Gaudreau (LW), Mitch Marner (RW), Cale Makar (D), and Roman Josi (D) rounded out the squad.
Of course, Shesterkin stole the show with an announcement of his own.
“To my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am today with your love and guidance,” Shesterkin said. “And to my beautiful wife for her support. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be here tonight because we are having a baby soon. What a year. Thank you.”
Chris Drury nominated for GM of the Year
Chris Drury was announced as one of the three finalists for the Jim Gregory Award which is presented annually to the top general manager. Voted on by NHL general managers, hockey operations personnel, and executives, it will be presented at the NHL Draft on July 7th.
This was an incredible first season for the rookie President and General Manager. New York finished with a 52-24-6 record for 110 points, placed second in the Metropolitan Division, and went all the way to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final.
Drury made some astute moves by acquiring Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reaves prior to the start of the season. What put him over the top was his trade deadline acquisitions of Andrew Copp, Frank Vatrano, Tyler Motte, and Justin Braun. All four players helped close gaps and were contributors to the team’s playoff run.
“Since the creation of the award in 2009-10, Drury is the second Rangers general manager to be named a finalist, joining Glen Sather (2014-15),” the team said in a press release. “If Drury were to be voted as the winner, which will be announced at the NHL Draft in July, he would become the first to do so in his first season as an NHL general manager.”
Other award winners were as follows:
- Ted Lindsay Award – Auston Matthews (TOR)
- Norris Trophy – Cale Makar (COL)
- Calder Trophy – Mortiz Seider (DET)
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