Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL, a sentiment echoed by Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz, who recently praised him.
Shesterkin made a significant impact during the 2021-2022 season, captivating fans with his remarkable glove saves and helping the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. Since then, his performance has remained outstanding, with a record of 76-30-11, providing the Rangers with a competitive edge in every match. Although he has yet to win a Stanley Cup, he is expected to be a crucial player in any potential playoff success for the Rangers.
Recently, Shesterkin made headlines by declining an 8-year, $88 million contract extension, opting to rely on his own abilities instead. With the evolving landscape of goaltender contracts, particularly following deals for Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger, Shesterkin feels justified in seeking a more lucrative contract.
Anthony Stolarz recognizes Shesterkin’s skill, suggesting that just because he hasn’t signed a major contract yet doesn’t mean he won’t get one; it’s only a matter of time. After New York’s 4-1 win over the Maple Leafs on Saturday, Stolarz praised Shesterkin’s performance, asserting that the goaltender will be compensated appropriately.
It’s clear why—regardless of the opponent, Shesterkin consistently delivers standout performances, effectively controlling the game. In the match against Toronto, he faced 35 shots and only allowed one goal, playing a pivotal role in New York’s victory despite Toronto’s aggressive offense.
Shesterkin’s strategy remains unchanged from when he first emerged in the league; Toronto learned that to succeed, they needed to shoot on goal with significant traffic, as he excels in one-on-one situations and when given space.
Becoming the league’s highest-paid goalie would position Shesterkin ahead of notable names like Carey Price, Ilya Sorokin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Jeremy Swayman, Jake Oettinger, and Connor Hellebuyck. His excellence is unquestionable, and should he secure a Stanley Cup, it could further elevate his market value. Already a Vezina Trophy winner, Shesterkin is a strong candidate for another this season and could also be in the running for the Hart Trophy with the potential for 40 wins.
According to Anthony Stolarz, Shesterkin is destined to become the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL, which is well-deserved given his critical role in the Rangers’ success and the style with which he plays.
