New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has reportedly signed a groundbreaking eight-year, $92 million contract on Friday. This agreement, which averages $11.5 million annually and extends until the 2032-33 season, marks the highest contract ever awarded to a goaltender. Previously, the record was held by Carey Price, who signed an eight-year, $84 million agreement with the Montreal Canadiens in 2017.
Shesterkin, who earned the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender in the 2021-22 season, declined an earlier eight-year, $88 million proposal just before the current season began. He is currently earning $5.66 million in 2023-24, the last year of a four-year, $22.67 million contract.
The Moscow native placed third for the Hart Trophy (MVP) in 2021-22, posting a record of 36-13-4 while leading the NHL with a 2.07 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. As he approaches his 29th birthday on December 30, Shesterkin has consistently won 36 or more games in each of the last three regular seasons.
However, this season has been challenging for him, as he holds an 8-9-1 record with a career-worst 3.05 GAA in 18 games, along with a subpar .908 save percentage.
Overall, Shesterkin has a record of 143-68-18, a 2.48 GAA, and a .920 save percentage across 231 games (226 starts) over six seasons. In the playoffs, his record stands at 23-20-0 with a 2.41 GAA and .928 save percentage.
The contract rumors surfaced soon after the Rangers traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, creating financial flexibility for next season as Trouba was in the sixth year of a seven-year, $56 million deal.
