Insider called out for lies on Igor Shesterkin ahead of Rangers’ opener…
Talking about “ info that would turn their fan base against their franchise goaltender”, the goalie saga takes an ugly turn…
On Tuesday, ESPN insider Kevin Weekes reported that sources have informed him that netminder Igor Shesterkin had turned down the New York Rangers’ eight-year, $88 million offer to become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history, thanks to the $11-million average annual value. That deal would have surpassed the the eight-year, $84 million contract signed by goalie Carey Price with the Montreal Canadiens in 2017.
However late on Tuesday night, local reporter Larry Brooks of the New York Post called out Weekes, wondering why he would shared what he seemed to call fake news about the Rangers’ starting goalie, who is entering the final year of a four-year, $22.67 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent after this season if he and the Rangers don’t come to terms on a new deal.
“I do not know the source of Kevin Weekes’ information and I won’t speculate. But what possible benefit could NYR derive from leaking info that would turn their fan base against their franchise goaltender? The night before the season-opener, no less. I just don’t get it.”
Brooks does not say more about a potential offer or any details on the negotiations between the two camps. Only that Weekes’ report does not look founded on a believable source… Especially at this time when Shesterkin is about to lead his teammates out of the tunnel into the first contest of the campaign.
Shesterkin is coming off a strong season, finishing 36-17-2 with a .912 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average, and is looking to cash in on a huge extension in New York.
“I love the team, I love the fans, so of course it will be great to stay here,” Shesterkin said in September. “But you never know what’s going to happen.”
Back in 2021-22, Shesterkin postes career bests with a 2.07 GAA and .935 save percentage. He was also the winner for the Vezina Trophy and was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy. He holds a career 135-59-17 record, 2.43 GAA and .921 save percentage over five seasons in NYC.
The Rangers open their regular season on Wednesday when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Shesterkin is expected to be the Blue Shirts’ starting netminder.
