Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The New York Rangers may soon strengthen their coaching staff by adding a Russian goaltending coach closely connected to Igor Shesterkin and instrumental in his development. Rashit Davydov is one of Russia's most renowned and successful goalie coaches. Over the years, Davydov has coached prominent goalies such as Michael Garnett, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Sergei Bobrovsky, Igor Shesterkin, Ilya Sorokin, and Yaroslav Askarov. Recently, Davydov won the Gagarin Cup with Lokomotiv, becoming the first KHL coach to secure four championship titles.
"I cannot comment right now on whether I will join Igor Shesterkin at the Rangers. I don't know if it will work out. Igor and I are in contact, but it's complicated. Most likely, I will leave Lokomotiv. At best, I might stay on as a consultant," Davydov said after winning the Gagarin Cup.
According to RG sources, Davydov has not yet finalized his decision about joining the NHL club, partly due to family circumstances. Davydov has young children, which could complicate relocation. He plans to make the decision soon with his family's input.
The 55-year-old coach began working with Shesterkin at SKA Saint Petersburg and continued training him with the Russian national team. After Shesterkin signed with the Rangers, he maintained training sessions with Davydov during the offseason. For instance, last summer Igor spent time in Russia. In the first half of August, Shesterkin trained in Yaroslavl under Davydov.
"We text each other after my games," Shesterkin said in an RG interview last summer. "The last time I could visit Russia was two years ago, so we've been communicating online. I'd send him my training videos, and he'd give me feedback. I'm spending this summer in Russia, and as soon as I arrived, I texted him. I'm grateful to Lokomotiv's management for their kindness, providing ice in Yaroslavl, and allowing me to train with Davydov."
Another KHL goalie coach moved to North America last offseason. Sergey Naumov joined the Bridgeport Islanders, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, as goalie coach in May 2024. Previously, Naumov served as goalie coach for CSKA Moscow for six seasons, helping the team win the Gagarin Cup in 2019 and 2022. During the 2019 playoffs, Sorokin was named the KHL playoff MVP. Sorokin has been playing for the Islanders since the 2020/21 season.
Daria Tuboltseva
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.
