Fitting Igor Shesterkin’s new deal under the cap
For argument’s sake, let’s assume that the Avs sign Shesterkin for $12 million AAV. That situation means the club needs to clear enough cap space to fit the new deal in. That may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but it’s not impossible.
First, let’s assume Gabe Landeskog remains on LTIR. That’s $7 million the Avs could use toward paying Shesterkin.
Second, let’s assume the club doesn’t re-sign Georgiev. That is another $3 million-plus. So, that’s a little over $10 million the Avs could use toward paying Shesterkin. But that still leaves the team short about $2 to $3 million to cover Shesterkin’s deal.
Third, let’s assume the cap ceiling goes up to $92 million as some reports suggest. In that case, the roughly $4 million increase in the cap ceiling allows the Avs to cover Shestekin’s new contract.
Now, there’s one last thing: Some may ask about Mikko Rantanen’s new contract. If the Avs pursue Shesterkin, would there be enough money to sign Rantanen as well?
That’s a tricky question. Ultimately, the situation would boil down to how much Rantanen wants, if the Avs are willing to pay him that, and if the Avs would rather keep Rantanen or pursue Shesterkin.
In my opinion, it’s possible to fit both players in with some cap voodoo. While not easy, it is plausible. But if it comes down to choosing one player over another, the Avs would need to be certain that Rantanen wants out of Colorado. However, there is no indication that this is the case.
Ultimately, pursuing Igor Shesterkin may be a pipe dream. But it’s one worth doing the due diligence on. It’s not every day that franchise goaltenders hit the market. So, the Avs must at least kick the tires to gauge the chance of bringing Sheskterkin into the fold.
Who knows, perhaps Shesterkin is looking to leave the Big Apple for a less hectic media environment.