In a significant move that underscores the increasing financial investments in elite NHL talent, Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers have agreed to an unprecedented eight-year contract extension valued at a staggering $92 million. With this contract, Shesterkin now holds the distinction of being the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, a testament to his remarkable talents and on-ice performance.
This landmark deal will see Shesterkin don the Rangers jersey through the 2032-33 season, starting from the 2025-26 campaign. The contract carries an average annual value of $11.5 million, a figure that will undoubtedly impact the Rangers' salary cap. In securing Shesterkin, the Rangers have made a bold statement about their commitment to remain competitive at the highest levels of the league.
The significance of this contract is underlined not only by its financial magnitude but also by Shesterkin's performance metrics. His proficiency between the pipes has been nothing short of spectacular. From 2021 to 2024, Shesterkin managed to save 79.5 goals above average, showcasing his ability to perform at a level that sets him apart from most of his peers. In the 2022 season alone, he saved an impressive 44.8 goals above average, helping to bolster his case as one of the top goaltenders in the league.
Shesterkin's .921 save percentage over the past few seasons ranks second among regular starters, a statistic that further cements his status as a formidable presence in the net. His accolades also include winning the Vezina Trophy, an honor awarded to the league's best goaltender, further justifying the Rangers' significant investment.
In stark contrast, this season Shesterkin is weathering a slight dip with a save percentage marked at .908 and 4.52 goals saved above average. While these current numbers are less overwhelming compared to his previous performances, the Rangers clearly believe in Shesterkin's capacity to rebound and maintain his elite status over the long-term duration of the newly inked deal.
This contract also eclipses the previous record held by Carey Price, who signed an $84 million contract, illustrating the escalating financial commitments NHL teams are willing to make for top-tier talent.
Other Notable NHL Transactions
The Shesterkin agreement is part of a broader trend where NHL teams are locking down essential players with long-term contracts. The Golden Knights recently secured Brayden McNabb with a three-year extension worth $3.65 million annually, which ensures his steady defensive play remains a fixture for the Knights.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs extended Jake McCabe's contract through the 2028-29 season, offering an average annual value of $4.51 million. McCabe's reliability on defense is a key asset for the Leafs as they aim to continue their push into deeper playoff runs.
In St. Louis, the Blues extended Jake Neighbours through the 2026-27 season. A product of the 2020 NHL Draft where he was the No. 26 overall pick, Neighbours' offensive capabilities, as demonstrated by his 27 goals scored in 77 games last season, have not gone unnoticed.
Goaltender Developments Across the League
The goaltending landscape sees further shake-ups with Linus Ullmark, the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner, being traded to the Senators and signing a four-year extension there. His move is an emotional shift in Boston's long-term goaltending plans, raising questions about who will emerge as the new leader in net for the Bruins.
In Boston, Jeremy Swayman's re-signing post-offseason negotiations confirms his continued role as a crucial component of their goaltending duo. Over in Dallas, Jake Oettinger's postseason appearances, marked by a .913 save percentage and 4.1 goals saved above average, highlight his contributions to the Stars' playoff ambitions.
Overall, the NHL's latest actions reveal a clear strategy: investing in and securing vital players with long-term deals to cement competitive edges in an increasingly demanding league. As Shesterkin steps into his record-breaking contract, all eyes will be on how he continues to shape the future of goaltending in hockey.