BREAKING: Rangers Fan Favorite Star declines $88M offer with departure confirms
Rangers goaltender, entering the final year of his four-year, $22.67 million contract with the New York Rangers, has reportedly turned down an offer that would have made him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. According to NHL Network, the Rangers proposed an eight-year, $88 million extension, surpassing Carey Price’s previous record of $84 million signed in 2017. If Shesterkin does not reach an agreement with the Rangers, he will become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
The 28-year-old goaltender is coming off a strong season, posting a 36-17-2 record with a .912 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average. He was an All-Star in the 2021-22 season and won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie. While expressing his love for the team and fans, Shesterkin acknowledged the uncertainty of the contract situation, stating, “But you never know what’s going to happen.”
In his five seasons with the Rangers, Shesterkin has compiled a record of 135-59-17, with a .921 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average, after being selected in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. As the Rangers prepare for their regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Shesterkin’s future with the team remains uncertain.
ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported that Shesterkin’s camp rejected the Rangers’ offer of $11 million annually for eight years. Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff confirmed that the Rangers indeed put this offer on the table, fully recognizing that it would make Shesterkin the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. However, the Shesterkin camp believes they could secure around $12 million or more if he enters free agency next summer.
While the Rangers have a cap number they are reluctant to exceed, it appears they are not willing to go beyond $11 million per year. The urgency for a resolution is increasing as the regular season approaches, with both sides needing to find common ground if they want to finalize a deal before the season starts. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Shesterkin will stay with the Rangers or test the waters of free agency.