Becoming the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history is apparently still not good enough for New York Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin.
NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes reported Tuesday that Shesterkin rejected an eight-year, $88-million offer from the Rangers.
The $11-million average annual value on the contract would’ve made Shesterkin the highest-paid goaltender in league history, surpassing the eight-year, $84-million deal Carey Price signed in 2017 with the Montreal Canadiens.
Shesterkin is entering the final season of a four-year, $22.67-million contract and could become an unrestricted free agent if the two sides do not agree to a deal.
He posted a 36-17-2 record, 2.58 goals-against average and .912 save percentage over 55 games last season.
“I love the team, I love the fans, so of course it will be great to stay here,” Shesterkin said in September. “But you never know what’s going to happen.”
Shesterkin was a draft steal for the Rangers, who selected him in the fourth round, 118th overall, in 2014.
The 28-year-old from Moscow posted career bests during the 2021-22 season with a 2.07 GAA and .935 save percentage as he captured the Vezina Trophy and was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.
Shesterkin holds a career 135-59-17 record, 2.43 GAA and .921 save percentage over five seasons with the Rangers.
The Rangers open their regular season on Wednesday when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Shesterkin is expected to be between the pipes.