"Bruised ego, out 4-6 weeks": Fans react as $92M Igor Shesterkin reportedly gets placed on IR after recent NY Rangers call up

Fans reacted as the New York Rangers reportedly placed starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin on injured reserve with an upper-body injury on Tuesday.

Shesterkin signed a massive eight-year, $92 million contract extension in December with the Rangers.

The injury comes at an inopportune time for the struggling Rangers, who have lost four straight games and sit at 16-19-1 on the season. Shesterkin has been one of the few bright spots for New York, posting a .906 save percentage.

Social media erupted with fan reactions, ranging from concern to criticism.

One fan jokingly tweeted:

"Bruised ego, out 4-6 weeks.”

Another fan wrote:

"Massive blow? He hasn't exactly been playing lights out lately. Massive blow seems like hyperbole. I mean, they're losing with or without him these days." on X.

Here are some other fan reactions:

"He is experiencing the symptoms of what Hank went through watching this team in front of him," one fan wrote.

"This team is about to crater. Draft Lottery here we come again! We’d have to get a true stud this time, right?" another fan wrote.

"There are fans who said some very mean things about Shesterkin. He was injured by Lindgren after he shoved Bennett into him," a user commented.

"This is a significant blow for the team, as Shesterkin has been a key player in goal. The team's next steps will likely involve adjusting their lineup and turning to other options in net while he recovers," another fan wrote.

With their star goalie sidelined, the Rangers called up Louis Domingue from their AHL affiliate in Hartford to serve as the backup. Veteran Jonathan Quick will likely take over starting duties in Igor Shesterkin's absence.

Igor Shesterkin injured in Rangers 5-3 loss to Panthers

Igor Shesterkin suffered an upper-body injury during the team’s 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers.

The incident occurred when defenseman Ryan Lindgren collided with Panthers forward Sam Bennett, sending Bennett crashing into Shesterkin. The goaltender was slow to get up after the collision.

The impact appears to have led to Shesterkin’s placement on injured reserve, a significant setback for the Rangers.

The Rangers will look to bounce back from this tough loss when they host the Boston Bruins in their next game.