Is Rangers' Igor Shesterkin contract a distraction?

New York Islanders v New York Rangers
New York Islanders v New York Rangers / Andrew Mordzynski/GettyImages

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin has been an elite goaltender since he arrived on the NHL scene in the 2019-20 season. With his steady play and excellent stats, some believe he should be the highest-paid netminder in the league. Should he be? What would his contract look like?

Rangers' Shesterkin deserves new contract

Shesterkin has played at the top of his game and has bailed the Rangers out of some sloppy contests. His play has led New York to be playoff contenders year after year and rank among the elite-level teams in the league. No other goaltender in the league is like him, as he brings energy and a work ethic that makes him the best at his position.

When the Rangers and Shesterkin came together to talk contract extension, he turned down an 8-year/ $88 million deal that was offered by the organization. He wants to be the highest-paid goaltender in the league. His average annual value (AAV) would be the highest since Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price signed an extension to the tune of an 8-year/ $84 million deal that left him with an AAV of $10.5.

If nothing gets done with him and the Rangers, he will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after this season. This could be an issue because New York has 10 vital pieces to the roster that need to be signed and they have a 2025-26 projected cap space of only $21,487,143. The list of free agents includes goaltender Jonathan Quick (UFA), defesnemen Zack Jones (RFA), K'Andre Miller (RFA), and Ryan Lindgren (UFA). The forwards list looks like Jimmy Vesey (UFA), Matt Rempe (RFA), WIll Cuyle (RFA), Adam Edstrom (RFA), Kappo Kakko (RFA), and Reilly Smith (UFA).

New York is 9-4-1 for 19 points and fourth in the Metropolitan Division. Shesterkin is 6-4-1 with a 2.85 goals-against-average and a .913 save percentage with one shutout. For the Rangers to continue success, he has to be re-signed. Expect him to be paid like an elite goaltender, therefore New York needs to find a way to make his contract fit. If he leaves for another opportunity, the Rangers are looking at a Quick and Dylan Garand (23 years old and makes $925,000 per season) goaltending duo.

While both sides have been relatively quiet, one has to think that both sides know this needs to be done at all costs. New York needs Shesterkin more than he needs them. Regardless of where he plays next season, he will be dominant between the pipes. He is a large part of why New York has been so successful, but they also have some big pieces that need contracts before next season. This one could get interesting.