Igor Shesterkin’s Landmark Contract Extension Sets New Standard for NHL Goalies
The New York Rangers have locked up their franchise goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, with an eight-year, $92 million extension that has set a new benchmark for netminders across the NHL.
Here are the key details of the deal and its implications:
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Historic Value and Unique Structure
The extension, which carries an $11.5 million annual average value (AAV), makes Shesterkin the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.
The deal includes an unprecedented full no-movement clause (NMC) for the entire duration, giving Shesterkin total control over his career with the Rangers.
A whopping $85 million of the contract is structured as signing bonuses, ensuring Shesterkin receives the majority of his earnings upfront—a rare feature in NHL contracts.
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Commitment to the Rangers
Despite offers that could have exceeded his current deal in value, Shesterkin chose to stay in New York, reflecting his commitment to the Rangers and his strong relationship with the team.
“Some details we’re hearing: $85M in signing bonuses, full NMC all the way through,” reported Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman. “According to a couple other teams, he actually left money on the table—but NYR really wanted to get this done, and Shesterkin ultimately wanted to stay.”
Rangers GM Chris Drury praised Shesterkin’s character and performance:
> “We’re lucky to have him. We’re excited that he wanted to make the commitment to be with the Rangers for eight years. It speaks volumes of what I think of him as a goalie, as a player, as a person.”
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Shesterkin’s Stellar Career
Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, Shesterkin has become one of the league’s most dominant goalies:
2021-22 Vezina Trophy Winner: Shesterkin posted a remarkable .935 save percentage and a 36-13-4 record.
Playoff Performances: He has maintained an impressive .928 save percentage across 44 career playoff games.
Shesterkin’s consistent excellence has been a cornerstone of the Rangers’ success and a key reason why he commands such a record-breaking contract.
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Implications for the Rangers and the NHL
Shesterkin’s extension solidifies the Rangers’ future in goal and sets a precedent for how elite goaltenders may be valued moving forward. With his skill and leadership, Shesterkin remains integral to the Rangers’ aspirations for a Stanley Cup in the years to come.
