Speculation on the New York Rangers’ negotiations with Igor Shesterkin is starting to pick up steam.
According to Elliotte Friedman, there is almost no doubt that the Rangers will get a deal done with Shesterkin.
“To me, everything that has come out this week is all about the Rangers saying there’s no need to panic here,” Friedman said. “We are signing this player. We are making him the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL. We recognize his importance to us. We know he’s the backbone of this team and we are signing this player. This is now all about the number.”
Shesterkin still has one year left on his previous contract, so it’s unclear when the two sides will finalize a contract extension. Friedman’s words are certainly encouraging though.
Now the question is how much money Shesterkin is expected to receive. While an exact amount is hard to pinpoint, Friedman has a rough estimate on the future worth of the superstar goalie.
“I don’t know what this number is going to be. There’s been a lot of reports it’s going to be $12, $12.5, $11.5 (million),” Friedman said. “The one advantage the Rangers have is they have the eighth year. If Shesterkin doesn’t sign there, he’s going to lose a year at a very big number. That is the one thing the Rangers have in their power.
“To me, and everything that’s come out this week proves it, they’re signing him. It’s just a matter of what that number is going to be.”
Despite a report stating the Rangers would stop negotiations until next summer if a deal is not reached by the start of the regular season, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Rangers are not fazed by the reported regular season deadline to strike a deal with Shesterkin.
Things seem to be heading in the right direction for Shesterkin and the Rangers.
