NHL coach is happy Igor Shesterkin turned down massive $88 million contract

It didn't take New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin long in the early days of training camp for the 2024-25 NHL season to communicate his message to the team and media alike that contract negotiations would not be discussed during the season. That, of course, means if the Rangers can't get a new deal done in time for the season opener, talks would have to wait until the offseason. This is setting the stage for a high-stakes season in which the star goaltender is in the final year of his contract.

According to multiple reports, the Rangers attempted to reach a serious, long-term extension with Shesterkin by making an eight-year, $88 million offer that representatives for Shesterkin quickly rejected. The news was broken by NHL insider Kevin Weekes, who indicated that Shesterkin would have become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history if he had agreed to it. It appears he has his eyes set on an even bigger payday.

With that, speculation is growing that he may seek in the vicinity of $12 million per season when he reaches free agency next summer. He'll be an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team he so chooses, and raising the stakes for the Rangers to figure out a new deal before other teams swoop in. The Rangers fanbase, naturally, has grown anxious over the thought of losing their star goalie to a rival club.

Adding to that drama, Shesterkin backstopped the Rangers to a convincing 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Wings head coach Derek Lalonde was full of praise for the Russian afterward. Some have gone as far as to suggest that maybe Lalonde's comments on Shesterkin were a passive attempt at tampering, putting bugs in his ear for when the player hits free agency. The Red Wings have been unable to solidify the goaltending position, and if they somehow sign Shesterkin via free agency, it will be a game-changer for the franchise.

Right now, Igor Shesterkin seems unfazed by all the drama surrounding him, as he's preparing and doing what it takes for him to help his team succeed. Throughout the season, Rangers fans will be champing at the bit no doubt, wondering if their front office can complete a deal prior to the start of the frenzied offseason.