Igor Shesterkin won't commit to remaining a New York Ranger

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Cooper Godin
September 20, 2024 (12:51)

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Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin says he hopes to remain in New York, but admits anything can happen.

The New York Rangers had a strong 2023-24 regular season, finishing first in not only the Metropolitan Division, but the entire National Hockey League, earning themselves the Presidents' Trophy. They entered the playoffs looking for their first trip to the Final since 2014 but unfortunately for them, their run fell short in the Eastern Conference Final, losing in six games to the eventual champions, the Florida Panthers.

Expectations are high in New York once again as the Rangers look to get over the hump, but some outside noise hovers over the team heading into the year - Igor Shesterkin's contract status.

Shesterkin is entering the final year of his current contract and became eligible to sign an extension back on July 1st, but so far, nothing has happened on that front. Some reports suggest that Shesterkin could be looking for $12 million per season on his next contract, which would make him the highest paid goaltender in the National Hockey League.

When meeting with the media after Friday's on-ice session at training camp, Shesterkin told Mollie Walker of the New York Post that he's hoping to remain with the New York Rangers and that he loves the city, but you never know what can happen with free agency looming next summer.

"I love the organization. I love the team. I love the fans. So, of course, it would be great to stay here, but you never know what can happen." Shesterkin said.

Shesterkin, 28, has become one of the best goaltenders in the NHL in recent years and providing the Rangers plenty of stability between the crease after Henrik Lundqvist left. Last season, the Moscow native appeared in 55 games where he had a record of 36-17-2 with a 2.56 goals against average, a .913 save percentage and four shutouts.

There's no doubt the Rangers would like to get Igor Shesterkin locked up pretty quickly to avoid this being a distraction heading into the season, but if they're unable to come to an agreement and the Russian netminder hits the open market next summer, it's safe to say more than half the league will have interest in his services.