What seemed like the right thing at the right time might now be a detriment to the New York Rangers. There is no question that goaltender Igor Shesterkin is worth every penny of his record-breaking 8-year, $92.475 million contract, but it may hinder this current situation.
As it stands right now, with the looming Salary Cap increase afoot, they have $26,575,477 in cap space. That is a good bit of cash, but this increase in funds comes with a price: the offers for free agents will go up.
Did the Rangers make a big mistake in giving Shesterkin all of that money, especially with some unsavory hockey ahead?
Wasted years and wasted money
It is hard to say that the Rangers are wasting money on Shesterkin, as he is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. But, with the retool happening and an unknown direction for this squad, it seems like it is a waste of playing time for No. 31. At 30 years old, he has a good bit of time left, but time is starting to run out.
This franchise may be another two years away from being competitive in the Stanley Cup race again, as the 2026-27 season has no expectation of being a success. Now is about development, and this fifth-overall pick in the NHL Draft later this month is going to be a distinct factor as to how fast they can be contenders again.
Shesterkin will be a Ranger for life. He has that instillment from his predecessor in him of Henrik Lundqvist. Although Hank went on to Washington, and he likely would have played if not for his career-ending heart issues, he was a Ranger for life. This very lucrative contract for Shesty will run its course with him in New York, and the hope is that a good chunk of it is with a competitive team.
Not being able to use 11.1% of their total cap-space due to one individual player is a bit of an issue. As relying on younger players and diamonds in the rough for cheap prices now plays into more of a factor.
