The price to sign Igor Shesterkin
All right, so here’s where things get truly interesting. In a recent interview, Eric Jackson of Sportico talked to ESPN insider Kevin Weekes. During the conversation, Jackson brought up the fact that Shesterkin turned down an eight-year $88 million offer from the Rangers.
The deal, with an $11 million AAV, would have made Shesterkin the highest-paid goalie in the NHL. The deal dwarfs what Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark recently signed for. According to Weekes, Shesterkin believes he’s worth much more; somewhere around the $12 million AAV mark or higher.
Weekes made an interesting point. He stated that Shesterkin is “trying to set the market for goaltenders.” That statement speaks volumes of where Shesterkin wants to be dollar-wise. Shesterkin just doesn’t want to get paid. He wants to raise the bar.
Based on those thoughts, the Avs would need to pony up around $11 to $12 million AAV, if not higher. Moreover, the deal would most likely be a seven-year deal, if Shesterkin signs as a free agent. If the Avs acquired him before hitting free agency, he could sign for an additional eighth year.
So, the question begs: Are the Colorado Avalanche willing to give Shesterkin that sort of deal over seven or eight years?
On the surface, the answer would be yes. Anytime would be willing to give one of the top three goalies in the league a substantial payday in order to shore up such a key position. But then again, paying $12 million-plus to a goaltender may be too rich for most teams’ blood.
But given what the Avs stand to gain from having Shesterkin on board, the club can’t pass up the opportunity to acquire Shesterkin even if the price is high. Despite potential cap constraints, there is a way to make the situation work for both sides.