Rival coach applauds Shesterkin's decision to turn down $88 million offer from the Rangers

During training camp prior to the start of the regular season, New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin informed both the club and the media that he will not be negotiating a contract extension during the 2024-25 season. Meaning that if the Rangers couldn't get Shesterkin signed to a new deal before the puck dropped on opening day, then they'll have to wait until the offseason to get a deal done.

By all reports the Rangers took their best shot at it, offering up an eight year, $88 million contract that Shesterkin's camp outright rejected, according to NHL insider Kevin Weekes.

From Weekes:

As Weekes points out, this offer would have made Shesterkin the richest goaltender in NHL history. 

Shesterkin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent and free to sign with any team he wants next offseason and there's a sense that he's looking to make a whopping $12 million per season.

Yesterday, Shesterkin helped the Rangers to a tidy 4-1 victory over the visiting Detroit Red Wings and Wings head coach Derek Lalonde was effusive in his praise for Shesterkin. The Wings' coach said, "He's special, I can see why he turned down the $88 million. Good agent."

Some low-key tampering from Lalonde?

After all, the Rangers have had difficulty nailing down a top goaltender. Shesterkin would be an absolute god-send for Lalonde and the Red Wings if he were to sign with the team next offseason.

As for Shesterkin, he's not letting the noise get to him.

“I love the team, I love the fans, so of course it will be great to stay here. But you never know what’s going to happen,” Shesterkin said when training camp opened in September. “It’s work for my agent,” Shesterkin said. “I just want to be focused on my game, on practice every day.”

Nervous, Rangers fans?