Could Igor Shesterkin Be The Flames Next Trade Target?

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Joshua Deeds
October 2, 2024 (9:12 PM)

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The Calgary Flames have an eye on a top New York Rangers talent, for next offseason.

It appears that Craig Conroy and the Flames have their heart set on Igor Shesterkin. He is considered one of the top goalies in the NHL and is expecting a huge payday with his new contract with the team.

In the case, that he does walk into free agency, the Flames want to take a shot at acquiring the goalie.

With Shesterkin's ask being speculated at $12.5 Million, the Rangers will have to find a way to keep his cap hit within the means of the team.

As it stands right now, the Rangers only have $623K in salary cap space and will have to may have to wait to extend their goalie who according to Chris Drury is a part of their long-term plans.

Calgary Flames Flexibility

The Calgary Flames are set to have a total salary cap space next season of $35 Million, which they could fit his $12.5-$13 Million AAV contract under with no issues.

But again, the Flames are in a rebuild and have an ongoing youth movement, which means they need someone who can fit the timeline.

What could stop someone like Conroy from acquiring Shesterkin?

Signing Shesterkin to a long-term deal at 29 could create cap issues, and for a rebuilding team, they don't need that kind of problem, especially when goalie prospects are plentiful.

Taxes!

It seems many European players would prefer to play in low-tax areas, like Sergei Bobrovsky and Florida. Moving to Calgary could be an issue for Shesterkin, especially with the tax structure in Alberta.

But if Craig Conroy does want to be competitive, he will have to shovel out the big bucks, unless he wants to head-hunt the next Henrik Lundqvist in the next NHL draft.

I hear the Flyers have prospects who aren't happy there, Alexei Kolosov would cost him far less, than Shesterkin who really in our opinion belongs here in New York.