Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Del Zotto, a former defenseman for the New York Rangers, openly shared his thoughts regarding the ongoing contract negotiations of Igor Shesterkin with the team.
“I don’t understand how you can let a talent like that slip away,” Del Zotto remarked in an interview with Forever Blueshirts during Fanatics Fest.
Having played alongside the legendary goaltender and Hockey Hall of Famer Henrik Lundqvist, Del Zotto is well aware of the impact a top-notch goalie can have on a team.
For many years, Henrik Lundqvist has been a notable figure in the goaltending position.
As of July 1st, Shesterkin became eligible to negotiate an extension; however, no agreement has yet been finalized. He is currently in the final year of a four-year contract worth $22.667 million, which carries a salary cap hit of $5.667 million.
Igor Shesterkin Aims to Be the Highest-Paid Goaltender
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Shesterkin has expressed his desire to be recognized as the highest-paid goalie in the NHL amidst ongoing negotiations. It is therefore quite surprising that a deal has not yet been finalized. For a team looking to contend for a championship, moving away from a franchise goaltender seems illogical.
He has arguably been the best player for the Rangers. Despite a sluggish start to the season, Shesterkin concluded strongly.
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Throughout the regular season, he posted a record of 36-17-2, with a 2.58 goals against average (GAA) and a .913 save percentage. His performance in the playoffs was noteworthy, particularly during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers.
In Game 6, New York was outshot 34-24, and in the series against Florida, they faced a total of 202-151 in shots. The Panthers also led in shot attempts, totaling 468 to the Rangers’ 372.
This exemplifies what a franchise goaltender is meant to do: provide his team with a chance to win. Over 16 playoff games, Shesterkin achieved a 10-6 record, a 2.34 GAA, and a .927 save percentage.
Such impressive statistics afford Shesterkin the leverage he seeks in pursuit of becoming the league’s highest-paid goaltender. Currently, Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens holds the highest average annual value with $10.5 million, closely followed by Sergei Bobrovsky.
Sergei Bobrovsky leads the pack with an average annual value (AAV) of $10 million. Following him is Andrei Vasilevskiy, whose AAV stands at $9.5 million.
Contract discussions are anticipated to start around $10 million but may rise higher. Reports indicate that Shesterkin is seeking a deal in the $11-$12 million range.
This raises the question: Is this too much for general manager Chris Drury? Would he consider forgoing a franchise goaltender like Shesterkin? The NHL Network has ranked him as the top goalie heading into the 2024-25 season for a reason.
The Rangers are aiming for Shesterkin to have an AAV close to Connor Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million. However, if Shesterkin maintains his Vezina Trophy-caliber performance, his asking price will certainly rise.
Should he enter free agency, teams would likely be prepared to meet his demands. While each pending free agent situation is unique, it seems illogical for the franchise to walk away from a goaltender of Igor Shesterkin’s caliber.
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Michael Del Zotto Defends Igor Shesterkin’s Contract Demands: ’You Can’t Let a Franchise Goaltender Walk Away’
Understanding the Importance of Franchise Goaltenders
In the fast-paced world of the NHL, goaltenders hold a pivotal role, often being the backbone of their teams. Igor Shesterkin, the standout goalie for the New York Rangers, exemplifies what it means to be a franchise goaltender. Recently, fellow NHL veteran Michael Del Zotto weighed in on the discussions surrounding Shesterkin’s contract demands, emphasizing the necessity of retaining a player of his caliber.
Why Retaining Shesterkin Matters
- Proven Performance: Shesterkin has consistently delivered impressive stats, including a high save percentage and a strong goals-against average, making him one of the elite goaltenders in the league.
- Loyal Fan Base: The Rangers have a passionate fan base that expects their team to compete for championships. Retaining a top goalie is crucial for maintaining fan trust and excitement.
- Team Dynamics: A skilled goaltender contributes significantly to team confidence. Players perform better knowing they have a reliable presence in net.
Michael Del Zotto’s Perspective
Michael Del Zotto’s endorsement of Igor Shesterkin’s contract demands comes from a place of experience. As a former NHL defenseman, he understands the complexities of team dynamics and the critical nature of having a franchise goaltender. Here’s what he had to say:
“You can’t let a franchise goaltender walk away. It’s just not a smart move for any team. The impact they have on the game goes beyond just the saves they make. They are leaders on and off the ice, and they can often change the course of a season.”
Statistical Breakdown: Shesterkin’s Impact
To illustrate Shesterkin’s value, consider the following statistical insights:
| Season | Games Played | Wins | Save Percentage | Goals Against Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 35 | 16 | .932 | 2.62 |
| 2021-2022 | 53 | 37 | .916 | 2.07 |
| 2022-2023 | 57 | 29 | .919 | 2.50 |
Benefits of Retaining a Top Goaltender
Retaining a player like Igor Shesterkin offers numerous advantages for the Rangers, including:
1. Competitive Edge
With a franchise goaltender, teams can compete more effectively against top opponents, making them a formidable force during playoff runs.
2. Marketing and Fan Engagement
Star players attract media attention and enhance a team’s marketability. Keep Shesterkin, and the Rangers can leverage his popularity for promotions and merchandise.
3. Long-term Success
Building a team around a reliable goaltender can lead to sustained success, allowing franchises to develop complementary players and pursue championship aspirations.
Del Zotto’s Insights on Contract Negotiations
When it comes to contract negotiations, Del Zotto emphasized the importance of communication and understanding the value each player brings. Here are some practical tips inspired by his insights:
1. Know Your Worth
Players must understand their contributions to the team. For Shesterkin, his statistics and game-changing abilities speak volumes.
2. Stay Professional
Maintaining professionalism during negotiations is essential. Del Zotto highlighted that emotions can run high, but focusing on the facts helps during discussions.
3. Consider Team Dynamics
Negotiations should not only focus on personal gain but also consider team chemistry. The best decisions often come from a place of collaboration.
Case Studies of Franchise Goaltenders
Several other franchises have made similar decisions regarding their star goaltenders. Here are a few notable examples:
| Goaltender | Team | Contract Value | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | Tampa Bay Lightning | $76 million | 8 |
| Connor Hellebuyck | Winnipeg Jets | $37 million | 6 |
| Igor Shesterkin | New York Rangers | To be determined | Pending |
First-Hand Experiences of Retaining Goaltenders
Many teams that have successfully retained their franchise goaltenders have seen immediate benefits. For instance, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ decision to keep Marc-André Fleury proved pivotal during their championship runs. His ability to make clutch saves in critical moments often turned the tide in tight playoff games.
Similarly, when the Chicago Blackhawks committed to Corey Crawford, they reaped the rewards of stability in net, leading to multiple championships. These examples underscore the long-term advantages of investing in a top-tier goaltender.
Conclusion: The Future of Igor Shesterkin
As discussions around Igor Shesterkin’s contract demands unfold, the New York Rangers face a critical decision. With Michael Del Zotto advocating for the retention of franchise goaltenders, it’s clear that the stakes are high. The path forward will require both sides to engage in a thoughtful negotiation process, ensuring that the team secures a cornerstone player while also keeping a keen eye on the future of the franchise.
The hockey world will be watching closely as the Rangers navigate this pivotal moment in their history. Retaining a player of Shesterkin’s caliber could not only define the immediate future of the Rangers but also shape the franchise for years to come.
