Igor Shesterkin eschews Rangers’ document contract supply

Igor Shesterkin turned down a Rangers supply that will’ve made him the highest-paid goalie in NHL historical past. 

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported on Tuesday that the star Russian netminder rejected an eight-year, $88 million extension with a median annual worth of $11 million.

That’s $500,000 extra a 12 months and $4 million extra general than the Canadiens’ Carey Worth, who’s at present the costliest goaltender within the league with a $10.5 million cap hit. 

“It’s work for my agent,” Shesterkin mentioned of his contract negotiations initially of coaching camp. “I simply need to be targeted on my recreation and on follow on daily basis.” 

The supply leak got here in the future earlier than the Rangers are set to open the 2024-25 season in Pittsburgh in opposition to the Penguins.

Oct. 9 might signify the beginning of the Blueshirts season, however it additionally acted as a deadline earlier than negotiations have been considered as an undesirable distraction. 

Rangers president and common supervisor Chris Drury had expressed hopes that Shesterkin could be a Ranger for a very long time throughout his preseason media availability, however the two sides have been evidently unable to succeed in an settlement earlier than opening night time. 

“I’m not going to get into any non-public discussions or negotiations with Igor or his brokers publicly,” Drury mentioned on the time. “However you all know what I consider Igor and what all of us consider Igor round right here and we actually hope he’s right here and a Ranger for a very long time.” 

Shesterkin is coming off a powerful playoff efficiency in 2023-24, throughout which the 28-year-old posted a 10-6 document with a .927 save proportion and a 2.34 goals-against common.

Over the course of the common season, Shesterkin’s .913 save proportion was good for eighth and his 2.58 GAA was good for tenth within the NHL. 

All alongside, the expectation was for Shesterkin to develop into the highest-paid goalie in NHL historical past. 

It would occur whether or not he’s sporting a Rangers jersey or one other. 

The longer Shesterkin stays a pending unrestricted free agent, nonetheless, the extra precarious the scenario turns into for the Rangers.

The Put up has reported since June that $12 million per 12 months is a goal for Shesterkin’s camp. 

With a number of different contracts due for key gamers subsequent summer season, the Rangers need to watch out and strategic with what p.c of the cap they provide to their No. 1 goalie. 

“I like the group,” Shesterkin mentioned. “I like the crew. I like the followers. So, in fact, it could be nice to remain right here, however you by no means know what can occur.”