The New York Rangers and goaltender Igor Shesterkin have sealed an eight-year contract extension. With an average annual value (AAV) of $11.5 million, Shesterkin is the highest-paid NHL goalie.
The deal surpasses Carey Price’s previous high and highlights Shesterkin’s significant value to the team.
Shesterkin, in the last year of his current contract with an AAV of $5.66 million, has been negotiating this extension for several months. His representatives have positioned him as the team’s top earner, a distinction currently held by Artemi Panarin with an AAV of $11.6 million.
Awarded the Vezina Trophy in 2022, Shesterkin has established himself as a top goaltender in the league. Despite a challenging start this season, with a 13-10-1 record, a 3.05 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage, and one shutout, the Rangers are confident in his abilities to regain form and drive the team’s success in the future.
The announcement of Shesterkin’s lucrative extension coincided with the team’s trade of captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks.
The Rangers face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday. They are in a playoff spot but eager to improve their performance. Securing Shesterkin’s long-term commitment is a strategic move aimed at stabilizing the team and bolstering its playoff aspirations.
