Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s performance has declined since his impressive beginning (7-4-1 W-L record, .914 save percentage), but he is poised for a lucrative contract, whether with New York or another team.
If the Rangers conclude that Shesterkin — who reportedly rejected a record contract before the season — isn’t worth keeping, who would be the next option? Can anyone fill the role of one of the league’s top goaltenders?
In-house alternatives
New York’s internal options are limited. Jonathan Quick, 38 and on an expiring contract, likely cannot serve as a reliable No. 1 and hasn’t performed at starting caliber since his strong 2021-22 season, the last time he started over half his team’s games.
Dylan Garand, 22, is regarded as the team’s best goaltending prospect. He excelled as a Western Hockey League goaltender with a 28-10-3 record and a .921 save percentage in his final season. However, his performance with the Hartford Wolf Pack has been inconsistent, as shown by his regular-season stats of a .896 save percentage and a 33-33-9 record, although his playoff performance has improved (10-7 with a .922 save percentage).
Additionally, the Rangers have invested later-round picks in two tall goaltenders: Talyn Boyko, who is showing promise in the ECHL, and Swede Hugo Ollas, a former Merrimack College goaltender struggling with an .878 save percentage in the ECHL.
Free agency prospects
Shesterkin is the standout player in free agency — if he hits the open market, he could potentially more than double his current salary of $5,666,667.
Other noteworthy names include Jake Allen (New Jersey), Frederik Andersen (Carolina), and Ilya Samsonov (Vegas), but they wouldn’t come close to matching Shesterkin’s worth. This is partly because there isn’t a goaltender in this free-agent pool who matches Shesterkin’s track record, including a Vezina Trophy, an All-Star selection, and a Hart Trophy finalist nod, along with another top-five Vezina finish.
No other goaltender can match his playoff achievements. Shesterkin has been crucial to New York’s success in securing five playoff series wins over three seasons, boasting a .928 save percentage and a .750 quality-start percentage, significantly above the league average of .530.
Trade possibilities
There are trade options available, including former highly regarded prospects who may be seeking new teams as the season progresses.
Devon Levi is currently struggling in Buffalo, not even holding a starting position.
Spencer Knight, another former first-round pick, has faced both on- and off-ice challenges. Despite Florida extending his contract in hopes of him taking the starting role from Sergei Bobrovsky, this has not happened.
Filip Gustavsson in Minnesota has been mentioned in trade rumors. He has started the season strongly and has one year left on his contract after this one, although the team may be reluctant to trade him, especially with rising prospect Jesper Wallstedt facing a slow start in the AHL.
There are also reclamation projects like John Gibson in Anaheim or Tristan Jarry in Pittsburgh, who could be available at a lower cost, assuming the original team is willing to cover part of the contract.
Ultimately, New York’s scouting department will need to assess these players, but the argument for retaining Shesterkin remains stronger than any justification for pursuing other options.
