The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a four-year contract. According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the deal is “4 years, $22.666 million. AAV of $5.65 million. Shesterkin had been eligible to file for arbitration, but he decided not to head to arbitration this offseason, suggested a deal was likely already close.
Related: Insider Suggests Rangers Likely to Trade Zibanejad as Part of Eichel Deal
Interestingly, Seravalli points out that this new deal represents the most money ever handed out – in AAV and total dollars – to an NHL goaltender on his second contract. The deal buys: two years of arbitration RFA years and two UFA years.
Shesterkin had great rookie season but he’s also fairly unproven at the NHL level on a consistent basis. This could turn out to be a great contract or one that does look good in a couple of seasons. Shesterkin, 25, went 16-14-3 last season with a 2.62 goals against average and .916 save percentage.
Alexandar Georgiev on His Way Out?
The extension signifies the fact the Rangers are going all in on Shesterkin which leaves open interpretation to what the next steps will be when it comes to goaltender Alexandar Georgiev. Georgiev is rumored to have asked for a trade hoping that he could get more playing time. Those rumors have been denied by Georgiev’s agent, but a trade is still possible, especially if the team is looking at making additional changes this offseason.
Georgiev has one year remaining on a contract that pays him $2.425 million. The Ranges are likely able to get something of value and he wants to be a starter. He’s bound to leave at the end of the season regardless.
It was a busy day for goaltender business in the NHL as Shesterkin, Ilya Samsonov and Carter Hart all got deals done. Samsonov agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the Washington Capitals, while Carter Hart opened the door with a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers worth $3.979 million per season.
Next: 33-Year Anniversary of Gretzky Trade Has Special Meaning for Oilers Now
