Igor Shesterkin trade: 3 NHL teams who could capitalize on Rangers goalie rejecting $88M contract extension

On Tuesday, Igor Shesterkin reportedly turned down a historic 11-year deal worth $88 million from the New York Rangers. The deal would have made Shesterkin the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, however, according to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, Shesterkin shot it down, putting the pressure on the Rangers heading into the season.

With the 2024-25 season being the last year on Igor Shesterkin's current four-year contract, the netminder's team has reportedly made it clear that once the season starts, they won't be negotiating on a contract.

Because of that, the franchise has just 24 hours to negotiate with Igor Shesterkin's team in hopes of reaching an agreement. In the event a deal isn't finalized before the Rangers' season kicks off Wednesday, the most likely resolution would be a trade.

Three NHL teams who could trade for Igor Shesterkin after netminder rejects historic contract extension

#1: Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago GM Kyle Davidson went to work this summer, bolstering the team's roster for the season ahead by making several notable acquisitions in Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi. Despite that, and the flashes of brilliance we've seen from Petr Mrazek during the preseason, the Blackhawks lack an elite goalie.

With Mrazek being 32 and backup Laurent Brossoit being 31, the Blackhawks could look to take the next step toward Stanley Cup contention by trading for Shesterkin. The team will have money to maneuver next summer as well, which will give it flexibility when negotiating an extension with Shesterkin.

#2: San Jose Sharks

After selecting Macklin Celebrini with the first pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks' rebuild is coming along nicely. Currently, the team has a young netminding unit led by Vitek Vanecek, with Mackenzie Blackwood expected to be the backup.

In addition, the team has budding young star Yaroslav Askarov who is expected to come into his own as a starter within the next few years. In the meantime, the team could look to build on the momentum of its rebuilding efforts and figure out a blockbuster trade for Igor Shesterkin.

#3: Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild's goalie unit looks great on paper, with Filip Gustavsson and future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury set to handle netminding duties for the franchise as they look to make a return to the playoffs. Despite that, the reality is that Gustafsson is fresh off his worst statistical season in the NHL.

At the same time, Marc-Andre Fleury will be turning 40 years old in November. Given that, the Wild could look to take a big swing on trading for Igor Shesterkin in order to put the team in a position to finally make its return to the postseason following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.