There's one way to evaluate Igor Shesterkin's value to the Rangers and here it is from the club's own viewpoint: "If it wasn't for Igor, we would have finished last!"
A lot could be said to support that viewpoint and The Maven will leave it at that. What matters is 2025-26 and how Shesterkin will fare, as well as his faithful valet, Jonathan Quick.
More than any forwards – You, too Matt Rempe wherever you're hiding in Manhattan – or defenders, goaltending will make or break the Rangers this year. (You're not surprised by that brilliant bit of analysis, are you?)
Before I deliver my own peculiar goaltending opinion, I prefer to first go to a pair of genuine, puck-stopping pundits for their views. One is an author and the other an active goalie.
The book – "Guardians Of The Goal" – was written by George Grimm, a hockey historian of great repute and one of my favorite writers. Period!
"The old saying is that 'a goalie is only as good as the team in front of him,'" says Grimm. "Jacques Plante was great on the Canadiens Cup-winners but not so great with a weak Rangers team.
"This coming season should be better for Shesterkin. He'll be playing behind a revamped and better-coached defensive corps. He should be able to have a rebound season."
Quick is another story and a rather romantic one considering that he'll be 39 when the action starts and still be – or so it seems – in mint condition.
Grimm: "Quick is a pro and knows exactly what he needs to do to be at the top of his game when needed. Hopefully, the new coach Mike Sullivan will give him enough work early in the season to keep him sharp."
My alternate goalie guru is still goaltending. Mel Melzer has played for the Israeli National team and starred in the Israeli All-Star Game at UBS Arena this past season. Based in Hershey, Pa. Mel has carefully studied the Rangers goalkeepers.
CAUTION TO RANGERS FANS; Melzer doesn't fool around. You may not welcome his views. Read on with aspirin handy.
"This is a pivotal season for Igor," Melzer insists. "His talent is undeniable, but he has yet to reach the ceiling many expected after his Vezina campaign. The tools are there -- quick reflexes, strong positioning and elite puck-tracking.
"But the issue is mental – and with a question: Can he elevate his game and become the kind of goaltender who carries a team into the playoffs as Florida's Sergei Bobrovsky did last spring?"
Coming after the living-legend King Henrik Lundqvist, Igor had a tough act to follow and did so, until this past season's flopperoo. Shesty will be at center stage in October with more pressure on him than ever before.
"With Igor's new contract in place," Melzer concludes, "the spotlight will be even brighter. That will be the time for Shesty to prove that he's not just good – but great when it counts!"
As for Quick, Mel acknowledges the respect he's garnered over the years along with his leadership ability. But then he candidly examines the negatives.
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"On the ice, Quick no longer is a viable option and is best suited in a limited role – one start in twenty. Even then, expectations must be tempered. His days of singlehandedly winning games are behind him. In fact, I wouldn't bring him back in a playing role.
"Hey, he might be more valuable as a coach. But, then again, we are talking about a multi-Cup-winner. His presence alone carries weight and now that the team is going to be sprinkled with young talent, that in itself is valuable."
THE MAVEN SAYS: I'm putting my money on a revived Iggy. But if the club misses the playoffs again – perish the thought – Shesterkin will have heck to pay, because he'll then be the most overpaid goaltender in captivity!