Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin was on the receiving end of some more harsh words from hockey historian Stan Fischler. The 92-year-old blasted the Russian for New York's sixth loss in seven games, a 1-5 drubbing at the hands of the New Jersey Devils, the best team in the Metropolitan division, on Monday.
It was a night to forget right from the start for Igor Shesterkin, who let in a goal in the first two minutes of the game. The Devils were up by two within the next two minutes. New Jersey was also clinical on the penalty kill, scoring twice in the second period on it. Chris Kreider earned the solitary goal for the Rangers but the Devils closed it out for the huge win.
Stan Fischer took to X to pin the blame on Shesterkin, stating that the 28-year-old had lost his negotiating power after a string of losses. It is supposed to put a serious dent in his contract renewal talks. He also congratulated Devils' goalie Jacob -Markstrom in the process.
"The NYRangers first mistake last night was starting its backup goalie, Igor Shesterkin vs. a good team like the Devils. The 2d error was leaving him in. As a result Piggy Iggy may have lost a few bargaining power pennies. Maybe down now to $8.5 million, max. Markstrom = aces," Fischer said.
Igor Shesterkin contract value can exceed $13 million AAV
There is no taking away the fact that the Rangers' flying start was due to Jonathan Quick and Igor Shesterkin. The two goaltenders were the major reason why the team was able to achieve a 12-4-1 start before dropping the six games in no time.
This had increased Shesterkin's chances of earning a better contract than the already offered $88 million eight-year contract extension by New York that the youngster refused in the offseason. Instead, as projected by an anonymous assistant general manager in the league, the Russian can become one of the highest-paid players in the league, almost touching $14 million.
“There’d be 25 teams that would be trying to figure out how to sign him, even if you’re talking $13-14 million (per year),” said one Western Conference assistant GM.
But teams must also be taking note that the 2014 Draft pick is currently 8-9-1 and is averaging 3.05 goals against per game, which is a lowly 35th in the league. It remains to be seen if he can turn it around in his and the Rangers' favor.