It’s no secret that the Calgary Flames are looking to make a splash next offseason, and recent NHL rumors suggest they have their sights set on one of the biggest fish in the pond: New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
Shesterkin, who is expected to command a record-breaking contract that could make him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history, is set to become an unrestricted free agent next July. While the Rangers are undoubtedly working to lock him up long-term, there’s always a chance that negotiations could hit a snag and Shesterkin could test the open market.
Rangers Goaltender Could Become NHL’s Highest-Paid Goalie
That’s where the Flames come in. With a projected $35 million in cap space next season, Calgary has the financial flexibility to make a serious run at Shesterkin. A $13 million AAV, which is rumored to be Shesterkin’s asking price, wouldn’t even put a dent in their available funds.
However, there are a few factors that could complicate Calgary’s pursuit of the Vezina Trophy winner.
Age and Long-Term Outlook: Shesterkin will be 29 next summer, and signing him to a long-term, big-money deal could create salary cap issues for the Flames down the road. While he’s currently at the peak of his powers, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be able to maintain that level of play for the duration of a lengthy contract.
Location, Location, Location: It’s no secret that many European players prefer to play in American cities, and Shesterkin might not be keen on relocating to Calgary. The Western Conference’s travel demands could also be a deterrent.
Competition: Even if Shesterkin does hit the open market, the Flames will likely face stiff competition from other teams with deep pockets.
Despite these potential obstacles, the possibility of landing a goaltender of Shesterkin’s caliber is undoubtedly enticing for the Flames. He’s a game-changer who could instantly transform Calgary back into a playoff contender.
My Take: As someone who’s been following the NHL for years, I can confidently say that Shesterkin is the real deal. He’s got the talent, the work ethic, and the mental toughness to be a dominant force in the league for years to come. If the Flames can somehow convince him to come to Calgary, it would be a major coup for the franchise. However, I wouldn’t get my hopes up just yet. There are a lot of factors that could prevent this deal from happening.
Stay updated with the latest Calgary Flames news
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest Calgary Flames news and rumors? Be sure to bookmark nhltraderumor.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter below! Join our fantasy hockey pool for a chance to win cash prizes. And don’t forget to check our site daily for “This Day in Hockey History” and to find out what channel the Flames game is on tonight.
That the Flames would be looking to sign a super expensive goalie (Shesterkin or Swayman) is about the dumbest Flames rumor out there right now.
Only an idiot who knows nothing about the team, it’s goalies, it’s ownership or GM would believe that.