In a significant move that has captured the attention of the hockey world, Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers have agreed on a historic eight-year contract extension valued at $92 million. This newly inked deal propels Shesterkin into the record books as the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, surpassing the previous record set by Carey Price with his $84 million contract.
Shesterkin, who has been a cornerstone for the Rangers, stands as a beacon of excellence between the pipes. His resume boasts winning the Vezina Trophy, signifying his status as the league’s top goaltender. Over the past few seasons, Shesterkin has consistently demonstrated his worth, saving an impressive 79.5 goals above average from 2021 to 2024. His performance in the 2022 season alone was phenomenal, with 44.8 goals saved above average, solidifying his reputation as a goaltending powerhouse.
From the 2021 to 2024 seasons, Shesterkin maintained a .921 save percentage, ranking second among regular starters and highlighting his reliability and skill on the ice. This season, while his save percentage has dipped slightly to .908, he still impresses with 4.52 goals saved above average, emphasizing his critical role in the team's defensive strategy. Such statistics showcase Shesterkin’s ability to significantly impact games and secure victories for his team.
The Rangers' investment in Shesterkin reflects not just their confidence in his abilities but also a strategic move to maintain competitive standing in the league. Starting in the 2025-26 season, Shesterkin’s contract will influence the Rangers’ salary cap with an average annual value of $11.5 million, running through the 2032-33 season. This long-term commitment indicates the organization’s trust in Shesterkin as a foundational piece for their future success.
Around the league, other teams are also making substantial moves, as evidenced by the Golden Knights securing Brayden McNabb with a three-year extension at $3.65 million per year. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs have extended Jake McCabe’s contract through the 2028-29 season, with an average annual value of $4.51 million, while the St. Louis Blues have locked in Jake Neighbours through the 2026-27 season. Neighbours, who was the No. 26 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, showcased his potential by netting 27 goals in 77 games last season, underlining his value to the Blues’ forward lineup.
Other notable developments in the league include Jake Oettinger’s defensive prowess for the Dallas Stars during his 19 postseason appearances, featuring a .913 save percentage and saving 4.1 goals above average, marking him as a credible playoff performer. The Senators’ acquisition of Linus Ullmark, the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner, followed by a four-year extension, adds depth to their roster. Ullmark’s stint with the team highlights the league-wide trend of building teams around elite goaltending talent.
In Boston, Jeremy Swayman re-signs with the Bruins after a period of offseason negotiations, securing his place within their goaltending tandem. Adjusting managerial strategies and financial allocations to ensure the retention of key players is becoming increasingly prevalent across the NHL.
The shift towards securing vital players with long-term deals signals an evolving strategy within the NHL’s financial landscape, as teams are ever more willing to invest heavily in elite talent to enhance their aspirations for supremacy. This trend signifies an expanded commitment to fostering stability and growth by relying on cornerstone players like Shesterkin, ensuring they anchor team success well into the future.