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Rival head coach praises Igor Shesterkin for turning down $88 million deal

Originally posted on Hockey Unplugged | By Axel Williams | Last updated 10/15/24

Igor Shesterkin recently turned down a massive contract extension that would have been worth $88 million over the span of eight years.

This would have paid him an average annual salary of $11 million. Overall, this would make him the highest-paid goaltender in the history of the National Hockey League. However, he believes that he is actually going to be worth more. It is a bold move on his part but it appears as though the New York Rangers are ready to play ball.

Meanwhile, the Rangers defeated the Detroit Red Wings last night by a score of 4-1. Shesterkin had himself a solid outing and overall, he was a huge headache for Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde. In fact, Shesterkin was so good that Lalonde couldn't help but praise him after the game.

'He's special. I can see why he turned down the $88 million. Good agent.'

While Shesterkin is special, the Rangers will need to go out and win a Stanley Cup if they really want that salary to be justified. Until then, some fans will continue to believe that $11 million is entirely too steep, especially if you don't have any forwards or D-men making that kind of dough.

Source: Blade of Steel
NHL coach is happy Igor Shesterkin turned down massive $88 million contract

This article first appeared on Hockey Unplugged and was syndicated with permission.

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