Report of outrageous contract demands by Alexis Lafreniere amidst Igor Shesterkin’s negotiations
A lot happening at once in New York, but especially A LOT of money.
Focus has been on Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin in New York and reports on the ongoing contract negotiations. On Tuesday, ESPN insider Kevin Weekes reported that sources have informed him that Shesterkin had turned down the 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, insider Frank Seravalli believes that Shesterkin isn’t the only seeking a lot of money in NYC. On Thursday night, after Wednesday’s stunning performance by both Shesterkin and Lafrenière in a 6-0 blowout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Seravalli reported that the latter could be seeking an eight-year, $64 million deal as he and the Rangers have been working on a contract going back to summer.
“Talks ongoing. Different options on table. One of them: 8 years x $8 mil range.”
The insider added that a couple of options are on the table, but that it won’t fall below $7 million, depending on the term. Seravalli is the only one making this report as of now.
Seravalli added that things were initially put on hold for the Blue Shirts to work out the extension with their star goalie first, though talks could pick up again. The Rangers will however need to keep both the deals for Lafreniere and Shesterkin in mind as he’s negotiating in order to respect the cap hit for seasons to come.
Lafreniere has gotten back on track in the past season and already in the first game of this one, as he failed expectations after being selected first overall back in 2020. At 22, he is just scratching the surface and has a lot to offer, though the Rangers will need to be careful with how much they offer him in the long run.
On Wednesday’s season opener, Lafrenière notched a goal and an assist. His tally made the highlight reel as he pulled off a nasty toe drag snipe and beat Tristan Jarry clean.
Do you believe Lafrenière deserves as much as Seravalli is reporting?
