New York Rangers backup plan if contract negotiations fail with Igor Shesterkin

PUBLICATION

Hunter Bowman
October 11, 2024 (11:35 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The New York Rangers should make a plan for the long term, in case the worst situation happens.

What would happen if Igor Shesterkin doesn't sign in New York? The Ranger's best chance at a Cup bails, what should GM Chris Drury do?

With the current situation with the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman, it's easy to get irked at the goalie market, which is now tense with the Bruins airing their dirty laundry in public.

GM Chris Drury, if it comes to that, could find a way out of the deal, if nothing goes through and exercise a trade.

"Drury could trade Igor to a Western Conference team," Rubenstein explains. "and get as much value as he can. But if he waits until the trade deadline, that would tell Rangers fans that 'Win-Now' is not happening."

With GM Chris Drury stating that Shesterkin is in the Ranger's long-term plans, it would seem that the team is ready to meet his asking price, of course, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Rubenstein: "Igor's major advantage is that if he chooses to walk - and Drury only recoups a Draft pick for compensation - the Rangers are looking at five years of rebuilding. In that unlikely case, who does Drury have in the system by way of goaltending insurance?

Where could they turn? The AHL isn't an answer, and goalie depth isn't ready to shoulder the burden yet.

"Dylan Garland is not an NHL starter and Jonathan Quick's better days are behind him. He's not able to play 50 games anymore. And, at best, Louie Dominique is no more than a spot reliever. Hugo Ollas is three years away and Talyn Boyko is a career minor leaguer."

It seems that Igor has all the cards in this interaction, as he knows he is the legitimate #1 in New York.

Of course, if GM Chris Drury gets bold and trades out of the conference, for someone who made a Stanley Cup run like Stuart Skinner or Thatcher Demko.

But in my opinion, either of those options could be a downgrade, and the assets needed would strip the Rangers of their identity as it is now.