Is Rangers' Shesterkin Looking Out For All NHL Goalies Or Just Himself?

New York Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin reportedly wants to reset the market for NHL goaltenders with his next deal. Negotiation tactic or not, the pressure is on.

It might not be this problematic yet, but star goaltender Igor Shesterkin cornered the New York Rangers in contract negotiations.

The Shesterkin camp said they won’t negotiate a contract extension during the regular season, according to the New York Post's Mollie Walker. Shesterkin is also seeking to "reset the market" for NHL goaltenders, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

On the surface, it appears the 2021-22 Vezina Trophy winner has created a "if you really want me, you'll sign me now" situation, but he might be taking a stand for the rest of his goaltending fraternity.

With his current deal expiring after this season, the Rangers have a small window to secure an extension before the risk of free agency looms. Shesterkin knows it, and he's applying the pressure.

Shesterkin reportedly wants $12 million per season, which would make him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. Despite LeBrun reporting the Rangers already offered him more than Carey Price’s $10.5-million contract, it hasn’t been enough to finalize a deal. Speculation is that Shesterkin is determined to break through the existing salary ceiling for goalies, wanting to "blast through" previous deals for Ilya Sorokin ($8.25-million cap hit), Connor Hellebuyck ($8.5 million) and Juuse Saros ($7.74 million).

This isn't a shot at any of the previously mentioned goalies. It's just the way things have been over the past several seasons, with some of the NHL's best netminders getting less money than an elite forward or defenseman. Shesterkin appears to be trying to change things.

That said, make no mistake – this is also about Shesterkin. He stands to make a fortune, but he'd be set for life with what the team is offering.

For Rangers GM Chris Drury, the situation is a problem. While Shesterkin’s value to the team is undeniable, paying him $12 million means other changes are inevitable. Alexis Lafreniere, K'Andre Miller, Ryan Lindgren, Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko are just some other pending free agents after the season. Committing that much to one player may force a trade to another valuable player or not offering enough to their other pending free agents. They're already almost at the cap ceiling this season, and raises are inevitable.

It also means being the GM who caved and started a trend that other GMs and NHL teams may have to follow.

The Rangers now face three options: pay Shesterkin what he wants, risk letting him test free agency or wait and hope they can work things out. If the Rangers can't offer him what he wants, letting him test free agency gives 31 other teams the chance to offer blank cheques.

Hoping things get resolved eventually possibly means waiting until the end of the season and focusing on the games. It may also lead to trade rumors, an unnecessary distraction.

It appears what Shesterkin is doing is already having an effect on other netminders. LeBrun noted that it's hard to talk about Shesterkin without talking about Jeremy Swayman. Swayman won't be as pricy a goaltender, and his situation is unique, but he's drawn a line in the sand about what he wants from the Bruins. It appears he's willing to hold out until he gets it.

Shesterkin set a timer, and it's ticking. Either meet his demands and be the team that changes the way goaltenders are paid, or risk losing him to a team that will. Whether it's a noble cause that benefits goalies around the NHL or an easy negotiation tactic, it's clear how valuable Shesterkin is to the Rangers. Losing him for nothing just can't happen.

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