Rangers Unfazed By Igor Shesterkin's Contract Demands: Could He End up being traded?

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Joshua Deeds
September 24, 2024 (4:44 PM)

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The New York Rangers and GM Chris Drury have a mandate to sign and extend Igor Shesterkin well into the future.

But with Shesterkin's noncommital stance, should the New York Rangers, and their fans be concerned?

According to Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceOff, of course, the team feels he's earned a bigger payday, thanks to his consistent play in net for the team.

But with every negotiation, there are two sides at the table and two parties representing their own self-interests.

He mentioned that the Rangers aren't afraid of the fact that if a deal isn't done by the NHL season, they will have to wait for the offseason to sign the goalie.

At the end of this season, his $5.6 Million AAV contract will expire and GM Chris Drury and the team are already positioning themself as not concerned.

Which is a little unnerving, given the statements made by Shesterkin offseason.

It was learned he had said, «You never know what might happen» with negotiations. Then, it was revealed he wasn't willing to negotiate with the Rangers once the season started. Now, it's being reported he wants to «reset the market» on NHL goaltenders.

Needless to say, none of his helps GM Chris Drury, who has reportedly already offered to pay Shesterkin more than any active goaltender and beat what Carey Price was making with the Montreal Canadiens.

Should the Rangers weigh their options in the long run? If they're not able to sign Shesterkin before the beginning of the season will they explore other options?

The team would have buyers all across the league, but would the return be worth it?

Shesterkin is a proven goalie, who has the stats in the offseason to eventually realize a Stanley Cup championship if he lands with another contending team, no matter where it is, whether it is Edmonton or Toronto.

But in the long run, with a higher salary cap available at the end of this season, it should be reasonable that Shesterkin gets a better contract.

I don't know if Drury should back up a full Brinks truck for Shesty, no matter how much we love him.

Like I've said before, they should sell him on the fact he has the capability of a cup here, if he decides to take a friendlier, $9-$10 Million AAV, instead of $12 Million.

But should it come to a trade, if Drury goes nuclear like he did with Barclay Goodrow, he should find the best trade partner possible for the team, ensuring they get a good goalie in return.

Source: The Hockey Writers
Shesterkin's Firm Contract Stance with Rangers Could Lead to a Trade