Igor Shesterkin wasted no time expressing his appreciation to New York Rangers fans and teammates after signing a groundbreaking eight-year, $92 million contract extension with the team.
This contract not only sets new records for both total value and average annual value (AAV) for goaltenders, but it also makes Shesterkin the highest-paid goalie in NHL history from every angle.
The 28-year-old netminder, who earned the Vezina Trophy in the 2021-22 season, reflected on his journey and reaffirmed his dedication to the team and the city. “I just want to thank all Rangers fans; they support us so hard,” Shesterkin stated through the team’s account on X. “We will play for them and our families.
“The support means a lot to me. All of the players in this locker room feel like my second family. We love this city and are thrilled to be here for the next eight years.”
Shesterkin’s extension carries an AAV of $11.5 million, comes with a full no-movement clause, and includes $85 million in signing bonuses.
This deal eclipses Carey Price’s earlier AAV record of $10.5 million for goaltenders. Even with these impressive figures, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted that Shesterkin chose to leave some financial potential on the table, opting for stability and his desire to stay in New York rather than explore free agency. “According to a couple other teams, he actually left money on the table,” Friedman mentioned on X, “but NYR was eager to finalize this agreement, and Shesterkin ultimately wanted to stay.”
Shesterkin was drafted by the Rangers in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft and has played 233 games for the franchise, securing 144 wins, including 16 shutouts.
