The biggest question mark going into the 2024-25 season for the New York Rangers is Igor Shesterkin’s contract extension. According to the New York Posts’ Mollie Walker [https://nypost.com/2024/06/02/sports/rangers-igor-shesterkin-could-get-historic-contract-after-dominant-run/], there’s reason to believe that Shesterkin’s camp is aiming for as high as $12 million a year, which would likely make him the highest paid goalie in the NHL. There is reportedly a desire from both sides to get a deal done. “I know they had discussions at the start of the offseason, and very loose, just 'Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page, and we want to work towards a long-term extension,' which they do," David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said. [https://athlonsports.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/report-igor-shesterkin-quiet-record-contract-looming] Talking about Igor. Despite some urgency to get a new contract finalized Shesterkin is reportedly waiting for one crucial domino to fall. Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is also set to sign a new contract extension, setting the goalie market while also dictating what Shesterkin’s deal could shape out to be. “You’ve got to imagine that Shesterkin's (new contract) is going to be based on his performance,” Pagnotta said. [https://athlonsports.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/report-igor-shesterkin-quiet-record-contract-looming] “(He will be) the highest-paid goaltender at the end of the day once Swayman gets his deal. “But I think he’s waiting to see where that goes, how that plays out before they get too hard into a negotiation, but maybe they are now.” If Swayman gets in the $8-10 million range, it’s safe to assume that Shesterkin will match that with his contract. For Shesterkin there is no reason to rush on finalizing any sort of deal until the Swayman situation is done with. Shesterkin has every right to feel he should be the highest paid goalie based on his play over the past couple of years and that’s exactly how things should play out.
