“Shesterkin Will Get Whatever He Wants”: An NHL Source Breaks Down Why The Rangers Will Pay Up

5 min read
Oct 25, 2024, 1:38 PM
Brandon Montour #62 of the Florida Panthers shoots the puck against Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers

Brandon Montour #62 of the Florida Panthers shoots the puck against Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

 

Every time New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin takes to the ice, his value only goes up. Since reportedly rejecting an eight-year, $88 million deal with a salary cap of $11 million, Shesterkin has proven why he is the best goalie in the NHL and deserves to be compensated accordingly.

According to an RG source, the Rangers’ free-agent goalie has the potential to command whatever salary he desires.

"I think the basis of all this is if Igor Shesterkin wants $12 million, if Igor Shesterkin wants $12.5 million, he is going to get it," said the source.  

Performance Metrics Supporting Shesterkin's Salary Demands  

Shesterkin has been performing exceptionally well for the Rangers at the beginning of the season. Through six games, he has recorded a 2.16 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, including one shutout, demonstrating his crucial role in the team's success.

As RG previously reported, Shesterkin aims to be the highest-paid goaltender in the league. He understands the significance of his contributions, stating, "He's going to get it because of how important he is to the team."

The Rangers rely heavily on Shesterkin to secure victories. This reliance mirrors how they depended on Henrik Lundqvist during his career. New York’s defense is structurally flawed; they concede numerous shots and depend on their goaltender to win games while capitalizing on their opponent's mistakes. This dynamic gives Shesterkin substantial leverage in salary negotiations.  

Comparing Salary Benchmarks Among NHL Goalies  

Shesterkin is asking for a salary that reflects 13 to 15 percent of the salary cap, akin to top NHL players.  

"If it's $12 million and the cap goes up to $92 million, his cap percentage is right in the ballpark of what Henrik Lundqvist was when he signed his deal with the Rangers for $8.5 million a year," the source explained. "It's right in the ballpark."  

Carey Price serves as a benchmark for NHL goalies, with a salary of $10.5 million, representing 13.21 percent of the cap in 2018-19. With Price no longer active, Sergei Bobrovsky's $10 million contract has decreased from a little over 12 percent to 11.36 percent. These are the contracts Shesterkin aims to surpass.  

 The Future of Igor Shesterkin’s Contract Negotiations  

As Shesterkin enters the prime of his career, he is improving continually. With a rising salary cap, his cap percentage will decrease, making it likely that he will emerge as the highest-paid goalie in the league.  

"There's various different things," the source noted. "There's signing bonus money and all this stuff that can come into play. But in the end, Shesterkin will get whatever he wants."

Jim Biringer
Jim Biringer
Reporter

Having 10 years of experience (SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Rod Pedersen Show, Raw Mike Richards Show, and more) covering the Devils, the NHL along with College Football, the NFL, and the tennis circuit Jim Biringer has wealth of sports knowledge. As one of Jim's hockey coaches put it he is a "student of the game." During his time as a sports reporter, Biringer has covered some of the biggest events including most recently the 2024 Stanley Cup Final along with several NHL Drafts. He is also the host of the Full Press Hockey Podcast and Final Word on Hockey plus Around Campus - The College Football Podcast.

Interests:
NFL
NHL
College Football

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Hockey
06/24/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Sam Reinhart Hopes To Finish His Career With The Florida Panthers
Sam Reinhart spoke to RG about the Florida Panthers’ future following their second straight Stanley Cup win against the Edmonton Oilers.
Sam Reinhart Hopes To Finish His Career With The Florida Panthers
Hockey
06/23/2025
James Murphy
James Murphy
Source: Bruins Among Multiple Teams Set To Pursue Brock Boeser
The Boston Bruins are preparing a significant offer for Brock Boeser, joining several NHL teams aiming to land the coveted free-agent winger
Source: Bruins Among Multiple Teams Set To Pursue Brock Boeser
Hockey
06/23/2025
Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico
Joshua Ravensbergen on the Draft Radar For Predators, Flyers & Blue Jackets
Joshua Ravensbergen, once passed over in the WHL Draft, is now a top NHL goalie prospect drawing first-round interest from Nashville, Philly and Columbus
Joshua Ravensbergen on the Draft Radar For Predators, Flyers & Blue Jackets
Hockey
06/22/2025
James Murphy
James Murphy
Source: Oilers Amongst Teams That Previously ‘Poked Around On Swayman’
The Oilers reportedly checked in on Jeremy Swayman before. With goaltending now a priority, could Edmonton revisit talks with the Bruins?
Source: Oilers Amongst Teams That Previously ‘Poked Around On Swayman’
Prev
...
Next

NHL Writers

Daria Tuboltseva
Daria Tuboltseva
Hockey Reporter

Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals. 

Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.

Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.