Igor Shesterkin Becomes NHL's Highest-Paid Goalie with $11.5M AAV
The New York Rangers secured their star goaltender Igor Shesterkin for the long haul, signing him to an eight-year, $92 million contract on Saturday. The deal, with an average annual value (AAV) of $11.5 million, makes Shesterkin the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, surpassing Carey Price’s $10.5 million AAV deal from 2017 and Sergei Bobrovsky’s $10 million AAV deal in 2019.
The 28-year-old Shesterkin, currently in the final season of his four-year, $22.6 million contract ($5.6 million AAV) signed in August 2021, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. This extension solidifies his place as the cornerstone of the Rangers’ future.
“Well, clearly with the contract we just signed him to, it speaks volumes of what I think of him as a goalie, as a player, as a person, We’re lucky to have him. We’re excited that he wanted to make the commitment to be with the Rangers for eight years. We’re excited to be able to sign him up for that. We had no interest in seeing where the market went come July 1. As a lot of our players say, and certainly I can echo their sentiments, he’s one of our best players night in and night out and we’re thrilled he’s our goalie.” General manager Chris Drury said.
Shesterkin’s deal comes a day after the Rangers traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, freeing up much-needed cap space. Trouba, who had one year left on his seven-year, $56 million contract ($8 million AAV), was dealt in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick. The Ducks will take on the remainder of Trouba’s contract.
Despite being one of the league’s top goalies, Shesterkin has faced challenges this season. He is 9-9-1 in 19 starts with a 2.99 goals-against average and a.908 save percentage, both career lows. However, he showed resilience on Friday, making 20 saves in a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, snapping a personal slump after allowing 18 goals in his previous five starts.
The Rangers, currently 14-10-1, have been inconsistent, going 2-6-0 in their last eight games. With Shesterkin locked in and room to maneuver under the salary cap, the team hopes to regain momentum and make a strong push for the playoffs.
Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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