2026 Rangers Season Previews: Igor Shesterkin

This article is part of an ongoing series of Rangers Season Previews, taking a close look at what we can, and should, expect from each member of the 2025-26 New York Rangers. To read other articles in this series, go here.

This upcoming season will mark the second year of Igor Shesterkin's eight-year $92.48 million contract that he signed in 2024. Since he inked the extension, the New York Rangers have failed to make the playoffs even once. Shesterkin's AAV of $11.5 million remains the highest of any player on the team, which has led to many pointing to him as the reason for the Rangers' failures.

However, it has been quite the opposite. Shesterkin has lived up to every cent of his new deal, but management has failed to put the proper pieces around him to help the team succeed. With the investments into the Rangers' blueline from this summer, can this year be different for Igor Shesterkin?

Previous Performance

Last season, Shesterkin stood between the pipes in 51 games and netted a save percentage of .912 and a goals against average of 2.50, both of which ranked in the top ten in the league. Shesterkin also came away with 21.3 goals saved above expected, sixth best among goaltenders in the NHL, via MoneyPuck. Even though he missed time due to an injury in January, Shesterkin reminded the league he is one of the few best netminders.

Shesterkin has put up better numbers in previous years, but considering the roster around him, the numbers are impressive. Outside of the top pair, which wasn't always healthy, the Blueshirts' blueline was extremely thin. Last season, the Rangers allowed 2,364 shots, the 12th most of any team in the league. When shorthanded, the Rangers gave up 60 high-danger shots on goal, tenth most in the league, per MoneyPuck.

The conditions were less than ideal, but that did not stop Shesterkin from stepping up and making plays. Last season from a team standpoint was nothing short of disappointing, but the Rangers star continued to shine. His efforts did not go completely unrecognized, finishing seventh in the Vezina Trophy voting with two second-place votes.

Expectations

The standard Shesterkin has set for himself is to be nothing short of a top goaltender in the NHL, and the Rangers are banking on getting that version of him this year. As mentioned, the team has made investments on the blueline, which now has the potential to be a strength for them as opposed to a weakness. Shesterkin will turn 31-years-old during the season, but I do not think his age will hold him back.

Making the playoffs should also be in the cards for the Rangers this season. It is by no means a guarantee, but they do have a chance to return after missing out on the past two seasons. The playoffs are where Shesterkin has, historically, played his best and most consistent hockey. There is certainly something to be said about a player who rises to the occasion where many others at the position fold when the lights are brightest.

The team should be good enough, and Shesterkin is good enough, where he should once again be in talks for the Vezina Trophy. I'm not saying it is make-or-break where he has to win, but the talent and track record are there for him to be in the running.

Predictions

57 GP | 33-21-3 | 2.45 GAA | .918 SV% | 0 Fights

The 2025-26 season was a step back in the right direction for Shesterkin, and he should continue that trend. With improvements on the back end and hopefully improved team health, these numbers are certainly achievable. They wouldn't be career highs, but it would be his best season since winning the Vezina in the 2022-23 season.

This is also betting on a healthy Shesterkin, despite having missed some time each of the last two seasons. There is the potential he gets thrown into more games with the unknown backup goaltender situation. Between Joonas Korpisalo and Dylan Garand, there is a mix of unknown and historically subpar goaltending, which could mean extended playing time for Shesterkin if the Rangers are fighting for a playoff spot.

The Bottom Line

Igor Shesterkin is the New York Rangers' highest-paid player for a reason on a contract that has aged fine. Any team is going to look at their star player when things get tough or they need a spark. For most teams, that is usually someone who can get the puck in the back of the net, but not for the Rangers.

The Rangers are going to turn to Shesterkin when they are fighting to maintain a one-goal lead or barely trailing in a low-scoring battle, because that is how they are built. Historically, the Rangers have had to rely on strong goaltending and don't expect this season to be much different.