Igor Shesterkin is reportedly looking for a hefty new extension and it looks like the Rangers will have no choice but to pay him.
The New York Rangers will have to make a critical decision regarding the future of Igor Shesterkin.
The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent following the 2024-25 season and will be eligible to start negotiating an extension on July 1.
According to The New York Posts’ Mollie Walker, there’s reason to believe that Shesterkin’s camp is aiming for as high as $12 million a year, which would make him the highest paid goalie in the NHL.
Whether or not Shesterkin gets paid exactly $12 million, he will most likely receive a contract somewhere around that ballpark.
By potentially making Shesterkin the highest paid goalie in NHL history, the Rangers will have to hope that he ages like fine wine.
The Rangers have their hands tied. While it’s risky to give a goaltender upwards of $10 million who is approaching the age of 30, Shesterkin is in the midst of his prime and is the leading reason why the Rangers are Stanley Cup contenders today.
In a few years though, that may not be the case, but New York doesn't really have a choice in this matter or else their championship aspirations could be thrown right out the window.
The odds are that Shesterkin’s upcoming extension won't particularly look amazing down the road. However, that is the price the Rangers have to pay in order to have a shot at winning the Stanley Cup.
Shesterkin is a superstar, so the Rangers will just have to bite the bullet and give him a blank check.