Full details emerge on what Igor Shesterkin's next contract will look like
Igor Shesterkin was consoled by Vinnie Troecheck, as the Florida Panthers ended the New York Ranger's playoff hopes in 6 Games.
You could see how upset Shesterkin was as the camera caught the interaction as multiple teammates offered the goalie their support.
He kept up his game to the best of his abilities and wasn't able to take the team to the Stanley Cup Finals despite his hard work.
The Rangers will of course have to build a better team in front of the goalie, but assuredly they have their guy in between the pipes. The 28-year-old posted an impressive .927 save percentage in 16 games played for the Rangers during the playoffs. The Rangers were outshot in 13 of 16 games, and Shesterkin held fast, while posting an impressive 15.62 GSAA according to Evolving Hockey.
Troecheck rightly called Shesterkin the "best goaltender in the world" which could've gone to Vezina Trophy winner, Connor Hellebuyck this season. But when it came to the post-season, Shesterkin proved to be the better goalie.
While Shesterkin can be hard on himself during his times of struggle, his game has remained consistent in the playoffs the last three seasons. In 44 games, Shesterkin has held a .928 save percentage but his own high standards drive his excellence.
With a year left on his $22.67 Million contract, Drury signed the goalie in 2021 he doesn't have to rush negotiations, but for the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner it could serve to be a risk not worth it if it's tabled until next year.
The Rangers cannot afford to lose Shesterkin and test the market, considering how important of a goalie he is, a bidding war simply isn't ideal.
Paying the 2014 draft pick might drive the cost down now, but there's speculation his next contract could set the market for NHL goalies.
The expectation is that Shesterkin's next contract will surpass Carey Price's old 8-year, $80 Million contract, with an AAV of $10.5 Million. Where, of course, Shesterkin's floor could sit at $12 Million.
The Rangers and the Russian goalie could end up meeting somewhere in the middle, with the team hoping Shesterkin could take a team-friendly option and settle somewhere between $10.5 Million and $12 Million.
Source: Lohud
Analyzing what Igor Shesterkin's next contract could look like after stellar playoffs
| POLL | ||
What AAV do you think Shesterkin's next contract will be? | ||
| $10.5 Million | 78 | 23.4 % |
| $11.5 Million | 80 | 24 % |
| $12 Million | 141 | 42.2 % |
| $11 Million | 35 | 10.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
