Igor Shesterkin's rise in the NHL reached another milestone as the New York Rangers announced an eight-year contract extension worth $92 million, making him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. This monumental deal underscores his importance to the team and sets a new benchmark in goaltender contracts, surpassing the previous record held by Carey Price's $84 million agreement.
Shesterkin's Stellar Impact
Shesterkin's contract reflects not only his potential but also his demonstrated excellence on the ice. From 2021 to 2024, the Russian goalie emerged as a force, saving 79.5 goals above average and maintaining a .921 save percentage, the second-best among regular starters. His performance in the 2022 season was particularly noteworthy, with 44.8 goals saved above average, bolstering his reputation as a critical asset for the Rangers.
This season has seen a slight dip in his stats with a .908 save percentage and 4.52 goals saved above average, but these numbers don’t overshadow his overall impact and promise. With the new contract commencing in the 2025-26 season, the Rangers are banking on Shesterkin's continued prowess. The deal will impose an average annual value of $11.5 million against the Rangers' salary cap through the 2032-33 season.
The Landscape of NHL Goalie Contracts
Shesterkin's extension with the Rangers is emblematic of the NHL's increasing financial commitment to securing elite talent with long-reaching contracts. Across the league, teams are prioritizing extension deals with players who have shown exceptional skill and developmental promise.
Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars, for example, has built a solid postseason record with a .913 save percentage and 4.1 goals saved above average. Similarly, the Chicago Blackhawks have also focused on talent retention, with Jake McCabe's new contract extending through the 2028-29 season for an average annual value of $4.51 million.
A Broader Trend in Player Investments
The NHL is clearly shifting towards longer and more lucrative contracts to retain top-tier players. This financial strategy is not just limited to goaltenders. The Toronto Maple Leafs' re-signing of Jake McCabe is another indication of this trend, and Brayden McNabb's three-year extension with the Golden Knights at $3.65 million per year further underscores the heightened market for valued talents.
Elsewhere, the St. Louis Blues extended Jake Neighbours' contract through the 2026-27 season. Neighbours, picked 26th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, demonstrated his potential last season with 27 goals in 77 games, leaving Blues fans excited about his development.
Emerging Patterns in Trades and Extensions
The league also saw movement through trades, such as Linus Ullmark's transition to the Senators, followed by a four-year extension. Ullmark’s status as the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner enhances Ottawa's goaltending strength and reflects the strategic trades happening across the NHL landscape. Meanwhile, Jeremy Swayman's decision to stay with the Boston Bruins post-offseason negotiations illustrates another instance of teams working diligently to retain key players.
The shift in NHL contract structures, highlighted by Shesterkin's record-breaking deal, indicates a more aggressive approach by franchises to ensure that essential players remain integral parts of their lineup for the long haul. This not only fortifies a team's core but also aligns with the growing trend of building for both present aspirations and future success.