Igor Shesterkin Rejects Historic Contract Amid Changing NHL Goalie Pay Dynamics
November 18, 2024Igor Shesterkin, the star goalie for the New York Rangers, recently turned down an eight-year, $88 million contract offer, which would have made him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history.
Despite a recent game where he allowed four goals against the Washington Capitals, Shesterkin's skill remains highly regarded, with his asking price speculated to be around $13 million per year.
At just 28 years old, Shesterkin is considered one of the top goalies in the NHL, sparking discussions about the appropriate salary for goalies in the current market.
Recent contracts for goalies like Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger, both signing for eight years at $66 million, highlight the evolving dynamics of goalie compensation.
Next season, the NHL is expected to see eight goalies earning at least $7 million annually, a stark contrast to the 107 skaters making similar or higher amounts.
There is a prevailing perception that goalies do not receive superstar contracts, as general managers tend to prioritize higher salaries for skaters who play more minutes.
The Florida Panthers' recent Stanley Cup victory demonstrated that a team can succeed without heavily investing in a single goalie, relying instead on a solid backup plan.
Over the past decade, teams have won the Stanley Cup with goalies on minimum contracts, proving that goaltending success can be achieved through various financial strategies.
Evaluating goaltending performance is notoriously difficult, complicating the assignment of appropriate compensation for these players.
The trend of goaltending by committee is on the rise, with fewer goalies starting over 50 games in recent seasons compared to the previous decade.
Team construction is crucial for a goaltender's effectiveness, prompting executives to stress the importance of surrounding goalies with a strong roster.
General managers are increasingly cautious about long-term contracts for goalies, fearing performance decline as players age.
Summary based on 1 source
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Source
ESPN • Nov 18, 2024
Why paying goalies is so complicated in today's NHL - ESPN