Igor Shesterkin continues to prove his value as one of—if not the best—goalkeepers in the NHL. Last week, it was reported that the Rangers’ goaltender had rejected an eight-year, $88-million offer that would’ve made him the best-paid goalie in the NHL of all time, surpassing Carey Price’s eight-year deal worth $84 million, signed in 2017.
Earlier this month, both Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman signed contracts holding annual values of $8.25 million, setting the bar for other goalies in the league. But with Shesterkin set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, he’s reported to refuse any contract negotiations during the season.
Shesterkin finished fourth in the Vezina Trophy voting last season, but since 2021, he has led the NHL in wins and ranks second in save percentage.
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Shesterkin came up big in Monday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, making 31 saves in a 4-1 victory. He absolutely robbed Alex DeBrincat in the second period, with the game tied 1-1, and afterward, Detroit head coach Derek Lalonde took a different approach when praising the superstar goalie.
Lalonde decided to praise Shesterkin for his game and his agent(!) for turning down the Rangers’ offer last week—clearly stating that Shesterkin deserves more money, given the way he’s playing right now.
”He’s special,” Lalonde said. ”I can see why he turned down the 88 (million dollars). Good agent.”
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Shesterkin made 31 saves when shutting out the Pittsburgh Penguins in the season opener but allowed six goals against Utah this weekend. On Monday, he yet again proved what a world-class goalie he is, and we certainly haven’t heard the last about his future contract this season.
