Igor Shesterkin has reportedly rejected a historic offer from the Rangers ahead of the new season.
According to NHL analyst Kevin Weekes, the Blueshirts netminder turned down an eight-year, $88 million contract from the team, rejecting a payday of $11 million per year, which would have made him the owner of the richest goalie contract in league history, surpassing Carey Price’s record-setting contract with Montreal.
Shesterkin has been the backbone of the Rangers over the past three seasons, as the only goalie in the NHL to post 35 or more wins over the last three years. New York hasn’t been able to achieve its Stanley Cup aspirations with Shesterkin in net, but it is hardly due to Shesterkin’s performance, as he has consistently stood tall in the postseason, while the Rangers scoring has faltered in the playoffs.
The 28-year-old would easily be the biggest goaltender on the unrestricted free agent market next offseason if he weren’t to come to an agreement with the Rangers, but based on reports, talks have been ongoing for months, and Shesterkin is believed to want to stay in Gotham. But it will come at a price, perhaps as much as $12 million per year.
Should the two sides not come to an agreement by the start of the season, which is just a day away, Shesterkin is believed to be ready to shut down talks and focus on the year ahead for the Rangers. That could help or hurt his case depending on his performance, but if recent years are any indication, Shesterkin will again be among the best goalies in hockey.
Shesterkin and the Rangers open their season Thursday night against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.