Artemi Panarin's contract is a sticking point in Shesterkin's contract negotiations
The NHL regular season has begun and the Rangers and Igor Shesterkin are locked into negotiations.
According to Elliotte Friedman of the 32 TP, there is a major sticking point between the New York Rangers and Igor Shesterkin.
Shesterkin has just one demand, and instead of just being the highest-paid goalie in the NHL, he has to be the highest-paid player in New York.
It was reported earlier in the week by Kevin Weekes of ESPN, that Shesterkin has turned down an $88 Million dollar contract.
That would've made him the highest-paid goalie in the NHL, above Carey Price whose currently at $10.5 Million.
Not only would Shesterkin also break a glass ceiling with a contract above $11.64 Million AAV, but he also wants to price himself above the goaltender market in the NHL.
Goalies in the NHL typically make less than someone like Artemi Panarin, or Connor McDavid.
If he wanted to based upon his value to the team, he'd accept the $11 Million AAV, yet he has refused.
Shesterkin has been said to be in the New York Ranger's plans long-term by GM Chris Drury.
So, it seems like in the long run the Rangers will have to give in to Shesterkin's demands if they wanna make sure they're solid in the net.
But what does that mean for this core? Even with a raise in the salary cap, this could make signing the rest of the upcoming RFA and UFA's a bit more difficult.
It could mean the end of this core as it is, which depending upon who you are, believe the Rangers can win a cup, or believe they're still short pieces.
It's easy to see both perspectives in this case.
Shesterkin has been a reliable playoff performer but has yet to win a Stanley Cup with the Rangers, does he really deserve between $11.65-$12 Million AAV?
| POLL | ||
Should the Rangers pay Igor Shesterkin a higher salary than Artemi Panarin? | ||
| Yes | 77 | 56.6 % |
| No | 59 | 43.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
