Sources: Rangers make Igor Shesterkin highest-paid goaltender

The New York Rangers and goaltender Igor Shesterkin have agreed to an eight-year contract extension, sources tell ESPN’s Kevin Weekes and Emily Kaplan. According to the sources, the average annual value of the contract is $11.5 million. That would make him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history, surpassing Carey Price’s previous contract.

Shesterkin, 28, is in the final year of a four-year contract with an AAV of $5.66 million. His camp and the Rangers have been negotiating an extension for several months. Shesterkin’s camp had argued that he should be the team’s highest-paid player. Currently that is Artemi Panarin, who has an AAV of $11.6 million.

Shesterkin won the Vezina Trophy in 2022.

The Russian-born goaltender is 8-9-1 with a 3.05 GAA, .908 save percentage and one shutout this season.

News of Shesterkin’s deal comes at a busy time for the Rangers. Also on Friday, New York traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. The Rangers are in a playoff position since Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but are not happy with their recent results and are hoping they can make a breakthrough.