If Igor Shesterkin walks to free agency, there's speculation on another team that could be a fit for him. Lyle Richardson examines that, Jamie Benn, and the Montreal Canadiens.
If Igor Shesterkin walks to free agency, there's speculation on another team that could be a fit for him. Lyle Richardson examines that, Jamie Benn, and the Montreal Canadiens.
Contract negotiations between the New York Rangers and Igor Shesterkin are believed to be ongoing, but there's been little indication of progress toward a deal. The 28-year-old goaltender reportedly intends to shelve those talks if they haven't agreed to a new contract by the Rangers' season opener on Oct. 9.
The Rangers are believed to be intent on making Shesterkin the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. However, The Hockey News' Jim Parsons thinks the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner would be a good fit with the Calgary Flames if he hits the open market next July.
Parsons pointed out that the Flames will have around $35 million in cap space for 2025-26, more than enough to sign Shesterkin to a lucrative long-term deal. He believes that move would speed up their rebuild and convince their stars to stay in Calgary.
Shesterkin wants to reset the market for NHL goaltenders, but that doesn't mean he'll sign with any club. For all we know, he could have no interest in signing with any Canadian team or a Western Conference franchise.
The Flames could put part of their plentiful cap space toward bolstering their goaltending. Just don't expect to see Shesterkin suiting up for them.
Turning to the Dallas Stars, captain Jamie Benn is also UFA-eligible next summer. However, the 35-year-old left winger reportedly told Stars GM Jim Nill that he doesn't want to sign an extension this season.
Nill is fine with Benn's decision, telling Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News that his captain wants to wait and see what the team's needs are after this season and how he can help them. He also indicated that Benn will be with the Dallas Stars as long as he's their GM.
Meanwhile, the recent loss of Patrik Laine and David Reinbacher to knee injuries could prompt speculation that the Montreal Canadiens could get into the trade market to address their absence. However, they could instead choose to address the issue from within.
RG.Org's Marco D'Amico reports a source indicating Canadiens management seeks long-term solutions rather than quick fixes, intending to look toward their promising youngsters.
It's believed promising forward Oliver Kapanen could stick with the Canadiens for the start of the season rather than return to Sweden. Joshua Roy is another winger who could benefit from the recent rash of injuries.
Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.