Igor Shesterkin must now prove hes worth it to Rangers in risky contract gambit
On the eve of opening night for the Rangers, word spread that the Rangers had offered Igor Shesterkin an extension that would make him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history — and he rejected it.Oct.9 had somewhat served as a loose deadline before negotiations would be viewed as an unwanted distraction, which evidently prompted both sides to engage in recent days.This report from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes that an eight-year, $88 million offer was made the day before the season begins, however, has added an intriguing element to the situation.Industry sources indicate that Shesterkin’s camp isn’t pleased by an apparent leak that was presumably designed to put pressure on Shesterkin.
The numbers reported — including an $11 million average annual value — have not been confirmed by The Post.There is no reason to believe that discussions will not continue, even past Wednesday’s season-opener in Pittsburgh.There is no reason to panic, even though Shesterkin remains unsigned despite an offer.Look no further than the club just under 220 miles north for comfort.Jeremy Swayman held out of the Bruins training camp before Boston general manager Cam Neely came out and said there were $64 million reasons why he’d be playing, which prompted Swayman’s agent, Lewis Gross, to release a statement saying no such offer had been made and expressing their disappointment.
Rumors arose that Swayman pondered asking for a trade.Less than a week later, Swayman signed an eight-year, $66 million deal with the Bruins.If Swayman and his representation were looking to reset the goalie market, Shesterkin and his camp are looking to redefine it.Hypothetically speaking, if this $88 million offer was made by the Rangers, Shesterkin would be set to make $11 million a year until he’s 36.That’s $500,000 more a year and $4 million more overall than the Canadiens’ Carey Price, who almost 10 years ago now became the first goalie to win the Hart Trophy, Vezina Trophy and Ted Lindsay T...