In a groundbreaking maneuver, the New York Rangers and their star goaltender Igor Shesterkin have reached an agreement on an eight-year, $92 million contract extension. Poised to start in the 2025-26 season, this agreement elevates Shesterkin to the status of the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, nudging Carey Price's previous record deal of $84 million into the rearview mirror.
Shesterkin has been nothing short of sensational since joining the Rangers. Cementing himself as one of the NHL's elite goaltenders, he captured the prestigious Vezina Trophy—an accolade signifying the league's best goalie. From 2021 to 2024, Shesterkin has astounded with a total of 79.5 goals saved above average and a .921 save percentage, positioning him second among regular starters. Notably, his performance in the 2022 season was extraordinary, with an impressive 44.8 goals saved above average alone.
Though his current season stats show a .908 save percentage and 4.52 goals saved above average, Shesterkin has proven his value and reliability over time. His new deal, averaging an annual salary cap hit of $11.5 million, is a testament to both his past performances and future potential. This contract is slated to run through the 2032-33 season, ensuring that the Rangers' defense remains fortified with Shesterkin as their last line of protection.
The financial landscape of the NHL is evidently shifting as teams become increasingly willing to invest heavily in elite talent. The Golden Knights have also extended Brayden McNabb with a three-year $3.65 million per year deal, while the Maple Leafs have secured Jake McCabe with a contract running through the 2028-29 season for an annual average of $4.51 million. The St. Louis Blues made their play by retaining Jake Neighbours through the 2026-27 season. Neighbours, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, holds the promise of significant offensive contributions, showcased by his 27-goal haul last season.
Elsewhere in the league, significant shifts and signings reflect the drive towards long-term stability. The Ottawa Senators acquired Linus Ullmark, the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner, trading for him and then sealing him with a four-year extension. Similarly, Jeremy Swayman re-signed with the Boston Bruins following a summer of negotiations, maintaining their goaltending consistency.
In playoff contexts, young talents like Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars have also displayed potential, having made 19 postseason appearances with a .913 save percentage and a noteworthy 4.1 goals saved above average. This underlines the league-wide emphasis on securing goaltending talent, whether through blockbuster deals or nurturing budding stars.
These strategic commitments point towards an overarching trend in the NHL, where capital and future strategies are interlinked with securing key players to foster team stability and success. As teams align their long-term objectives with these major contractual commitments, the spotlight will remain on the performance of these elite players and their impact on the shifting dynamics within the league.