Igor Shesterkin refuses to sign with the Rangers during the upcoming season

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Daniel Lucente
September 24, 2024 (7:14 PM)

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Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers is looking for a massive payday, and he has stated that under no circumstances will he be signing with the team this season.

New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has informed the organization and the media that he refuses to talk about a contract extension during the 2024-25 season. Unless something is agreed upon ahead of the October 8th season opener, the Rangers won't be able to pick up where they left off with negotiations until the offseason.

«I love the team, I love the fans, so of course it will be great to stay here. But you never know what's going to happen,» Shesterkin said. «It's work for my agent,» Shesterkin said. «I just want to be focused on my game, on practice every day.»

This, of course, means that Shesterkin will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, and can sign with whatever team he'd like. It's led to a great deal of speculation about his future in New York.

According to Mollie Walker of 'The New York Post', he hopes to become the highest-paid goaltender in the league and is seeking a long-term deal worth $12 million annually. In turn, the Rangers will very likely have to dismantle major parts of their roster to fit his salary cap hit. One of the first potential casualties could be captain Jacob Trouba, with question marks also surrounding key players like Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin.

Walker writes that not only are the Rangers and Shesterkin's camp very far apart in negotiations but there doesn't appear to be a "hometown discount" anywhere on the horizon. He seems set on becoming the NHL's highest-paid goalie, whether that's in New York or elsewhere. Given that Shesterkin has some pretty heavy leverage, the onus is still on the Rangers to put together an offer he simply can't say no to.

With the contract talks very uncertain, every reason exists for Rangers fans to feel uneasy. Whether Shesterkin stays or leaves could drastically shape the future. Will the Blueshirts answer the challenge or face a major offseason shakeup?