Igor Shesterkin reveals the NHL stars who give him nightmares
Photo credit: Sporting News
New York Rangers' shesterkin shares his toughest NHL opponents.
In a revealing interview with Russian media, Igor Shesterkin, the stalwart goaltender for the New York Rangers, opened up about the challenges he faces from the league's elite forwards.
Shesterkin, who is in the final stretch of a contract with a $6 million annual cap hit, discussed the NHL stars that give him the hardest time on the ice.
" Well, it comes to my mind, there are a lot of players who scored on me," he said. "So, it's hard to choose only three. I'm gonna start with (Sidney) Crosby because he can always make different moves that are very hard to anticipate. "
Shesterkin pinpointed Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby as a particularly tough opponent, noting Crosby's unpredictable maneuvers that complicate his goaltending.
The interview highlighted not just Crosby but also Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils and Nathan MacKinnon from the Colorado Avalanche as formidable adversaries.
"Also, probably Hughes from New Jersey. And, probably MacKinnon because he's got a good shot," Shesterkin added, acknowledging their impact during games.
As Shesterkin approaches the negotiation table, his performance, including backstopping the Rangers to a 55-win season and nearly leading them to the Stanley Cup Finals, makes a compelling case for a significant raise.
With a Vezina Trophy already under his belt, Shesterkin's market value might well exceed $10 million annually, a sentiment echoed by pundits such as Elliotte Friedman from the 32 Thoughts podcast.
The decision now rests with Rangers' General Manager Chris Drury, who faces the critical task of securing Shesterkin's talent for future seasons.
As the backbone of the team, Shesterkin's contract negotiations will be pivotal in shaping the Rangers' aspirations and stability in the crease.
This candid conversation not only sheds light on Shesterkin's views but also underlines the caliber of players that consistently challenge even the best in the NHL.
As contract talks advance, Rangers fans and hockey analysts alike will keenly watch how Drury navigates this crucial off-season.
| POLL | ||
11 AOUT | 23 ANSWERS Igor Shesterkin reveals the NHL stars who give him nightmares Would you pay Igor Shesterkin more than 10 million a season ? | ||
| Yes | 7 | 30.4 % |
| No | 16 | 69.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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