New York Rangers Make Igor Shesterkin the Highest Paid Goaltender in NHL History

The New York Rangers made a bold statement about their future on Friday, inking franchise goaltender Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $11.5 million. The historic deal, which begins in the 2025-26 season, makes Shesterkin the highest paid goaltender in NHL history and firmly establishes him as the foundation of the Rangers long-term plans.

Betting on a Franchise Talent

Since arriving in the NHL, Shesterkin has transformed the Rangers goaltending into a position of strength. The 28-year-old Russian netminder burst onto the scene during the 2019-20 season and quickly earned a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable and spectacular goalies. His crowning achievement came in 2022 when he won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender after posting a remarkable .935 save percentage and 2.07 goals-against average over 53 games.

Shesterkin’s performance has remained elite in the years since, making him indispensable to the Rangers’ success. With the extension, New York is signaling their belief that he will continue to be one of the league’s most dominant netminders well into his 30s.

The $11.5 million AAV surpasses the previous high-water mark of $10.5 million set by Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens and Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers. While the deal is a significant investment, it reflects Shesterkin’s unique ability to not only make the routine saves but also deliver game-changing performances in high-pressure situations.

Clearing the Way

The Rangers’ ability to commit such a massive contract to Shesterkin was made possible by a series of strategic moves, including the clearing of defenseman Jacob Trouba’s $8.0 million cap hit via a trade to the Anaheim Ducks earlier in the day. Trouba’s departure provided New York with the financial flexibility to finalize the extension, ensuring they could comfortably make Shesterkin the highest-paid goaltender in league history without jeopardizing their ability to address other areas of the roster.

While Trouba’s exit marks the end of his tenure as the Rangers’ captain, the focus for New York remains firmly on locking in their foundational players. By moving his sizable contract, the Rangers avoided a potential cap crunch and secured long-term stability in goal, a critical position for any team with championship aspirations.

A New Era for the Rangers

With Shesterkin under contract through the 2032-33 season, the Rangers have placed their faith in one of the game’s most electrifying goaltenders. This move aligns with their broader strategy of building around a core of elite talent, which includes Adam Fox, and Artemi Panarin.

However, committing such a substantial portion of their salary cap to a goaltender raises questions about how the Rangers will manage their roster in the coming years. Younger players like Filip Chytil, K’Andre Miller, and Kaapo Kakko, are poised to take on larger roles and will require new contracts that reflect their growing importance.

For General Manager Chris Drury, the challenge will be finding the right balance between paying top-tier stars and maintaining the depth necessary to compete in a league where parity is paramount. Shesterkin’s extension ensures stability in net, but it also underscores the importance of smart cap management and player development.

Final Thoughts

Shesterkin’s historic deal represents a significant shift in the valuation of goaltenders in the modern NHL. While elite forwards and defensemen have traditionally commanded the league’s highest salaries, the Rangers’ decision to make Shesterkin the league’s highest-paid goalie highlights the increasing recognition of the position’s importance.

For New York, the investment is as much about the future as it is about the present. Shesterkin has already proven his ability to steal games and elevate the team in critical moments, and the Rangers are banking on him to continue delivering those performances as they chase their first Stanley Cup since 1994.

As the 2024-25 season unfolds, the Rangers will look to build on their success with Shesterkin as their backbone. The team still has work to do in terms of filling out its roster and naming a new captain, but the message is clear: Igor Shesterkin is the face of the franchise, and the Rangers are all in on his ability to lead them to hockey’s ultimate prize.