Kings reportedly pushing hard to acquire Vezina Trophy winner from the New York Rangers

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Tom Banks
October 12, 2024 (12:05)

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The Los Angeles Kings have needed to fix their goaltending for years now, and it appears they're doing so by targeting the NHL's top goaltender in Igor Shesterkin.

Over the past few days, it has been revealed that while the New York Rangers are looking to lock down superstar goaltender Igor Shesterkin, he has at this point turned down the highest NHL contract offer in history for a goaltender.

With all of this uncertainty, it appears their discussions have hit a cross roads, and while an extension may not be imminent, it's not yet been made clear that the team are ready to trade their former Vezina Trophy winner. However, that hasn't stopped rival teams from preparing major trade offers, with the Los Angeles Kings emerging as a team that has genuine interest in the superstar Russian.

Text from a source..." The Kings are working up a MEGA trade offer to the NY Rangers for Igor, They have dealt with goaltending issues, and they have been EXTREMELY open with their desire for Shesterkin....they would put an 8-year max extension on his plate.. Not calling this collusion, since teams talk to player agents in common with other team's players often and Shesterkin turning down the mega offer two days back is a good indication he knows there are teams out there who would go higher..."

That report comes from Eklund of Hockey Buzz, who names the Kings as one of a few teams that will begin pushing hard for Shesterkin if things remain uncertain in New York, and with No. 31 to hit free agency at the end of this season, it may end up being the Rangers best course of action if a deal can't be agreed upon. In his career thus far, Shesterkin has posted a dominant 136-59-17 record in net for New York, and with a 2.42 GAA and a .921 save percentage over that time, there's been few goaltenders in the NHL better during his tenure.

As of right now, there's absolutely nothing imminent with Shesterkin in New York, whether that be a trade or a contract, but with the Kings boasting some incredible young prospects in what could be a blockbuster haul for the Rangers, expect for them to start listening if a deal can't be agreed upon soon.