"Closer than we think": NHL insider makes major claim regarding Igor Shesterkin-Rangers' contract talks

Netminder Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers could be closer to an extension than most people think, according to ESPN insider Kevin Weekes. In a video interview with Sportico published on October 10, Weekes spoke to Eric Jackson about all things hockey, starting with Shesterkin’s contract situation in New York.

Weekes explained that due to NHL’s salary cap constraints, it’s challenging for contending clubs like the Rangers to allocate significant funds for a single player. However, the Rangers made a bold, eight-year $88 million offer.

The contentious issue, Weekes discussed, is that Igor Shesterkin feels he is the best goalie in the world and should be paid accordingly. Weekes elaborated on the point:

“The challenge for him is, I think if he was on another team, that maybe wasn’t as much of a cap spending team, wasn’t as much as a Stanley Cup contending team, wasn’t a team that just one the Presidents’ Trophy for first place overall in the regular season last year, could there be a bandwidth for a little bit more bread?" Weekes added, "Yes. I could say so.”

Ultimately, the Rangers could push the AAV higher to give Shesterkin the number he thinks he’s worth. However, doing so could impact the Rangers’ ability to get the players needed to contend for the Stanley Cup.

Weekes concluded with the following statement:

“I think they’re closer than we think. That’s just me and from what I’ve heard. But until the ink is dry, you never know.”

In the meantime, Rangers fans, and hockey fans in general, will be keeping a close eye on the situation, hoping a deal gets done sooner rather than later.

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Igor Shesterkin is respected by teammates

Weekes expanded on his impressions of Igor Shesterkin by describing him as a vocal member of the team, despite English being his second language.

He also highlighted how Shesterkin has earned the respect of his teammates, noting that this respect is crucial to Shesterkin's success on the ice. Without it, the team's performance could suffer.

As such, Shesterkin’s positive influence on his teammates makes him a valuable contributor, further encouraging the New York Rangers to keep Shesterkin in the fold. Weekes said:

“They really like him. He’s a really good guy.”

These comments stem from Weekes’ experience with Shesterkin’s teammates.

Weekes concluded his thoughts by saying:

“They really like and respect him.”

The Rangers will be counting on Shesterkin to continue being a positive voice in the locker room as the club looks to build on last season’s success. So far, it looks like the Rangers and Shesterkin could make a strong run for the team’s first cup since 1994.