NHL Rumors: Elliotte Friedman believes $81.5M Rangers star's contract will play big role in Igor Shesterkin's negotiations

Igor Shesterkin reportedly turned down an eight-year, $11 million AAV contract. That would have made him the highest-paid goalie in the sport, but he is asking for more. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes a teammate of his might be the one thing holding up these negotiations.

Artemi Panarin, whom Friedman called "sublime and superb," is the highest-paid player on the team with a seven-year, $81.5 million deal. Friedman thinks it's as simple as handing that label to Shesterkin.

On his 32 Thoughts podcast, he said:

"[Panarin's] cap hit is slightly above $11.64 million. I believe Shesterkin’s representatives (the agent is Rick Komarow) have a simple argument: Igor is your best player, he should be compensated as such. The highest-paid AAV ever for a goalie is Carey Price, at $10.5M. The Rangers have made it very clear: we will beat that."

Among other goaltenders, Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark signed for $8.25 million AAV.

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Elliotte Friedman analyzes potential signing number for Igor Shesterkin

Igor Shesterkin's camp hasn't put out any official number that they're looking for, but it's clearly more than the $11 million AAV they were reportedly offered. Elliotte Friedman couldn't confirm the numbers but agreed that Shesterkin wouldn't have signed for that price.

Igor Shesterkin has not signed an extension.

He said on his 32 Thoughts podcast that "percentage of the cap" is the key factor in any negotiation. With salary caps rising, Shesterkin and others want the money they sign for to be a worthwhile chunk regardless of the total sum.

"Draisaitl, MacKinnon, Matthews, and McDavid all signed for between 15-16% of the cap. McDavid is highest, at 15.72," Friedman said. "Panarin is at 14.29. Without knowing for sure, I suspect this is closer to Shesterkin’s initial ask."

According to the calculations, that number would be $12.58M. The Rangers may be willing to spend more than anyone else has on a goalie, but they may not be willing to break the record by that much.