Check out the latest on Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin, Islanders center Brock Nelson, and Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at the effect a new contract for Igor Shesterkin will have on the New York Rangers’ cap payroll.
The 28-year-old goaltender reportedly seeks an eight-year deal worth an average annual value of $12 million, making him the Rangers’ highest-paid player and the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.
New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).
Seven Rangers, including Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller, are slated to become restricted free agents next summer, with those two carrying arbitration rights. Reilly Smith, Ryan Lindgren and Jonathan Quick are eligible to become unrestricted free agents.
Baugh believes the Rangers can’t afford to sign them all even if Shesterkin doesn’t double his current AAV of $5.66 million. They could be forced to make cost-cutting moves.
Jacob Trouba is the most likely trade candidate. He’ll have a year remaining on his contract ($8 million AAV) with a 12-team no-trade list on July 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba might not be the only Ranger on the move next summer to make room for Shesterkin.
Artemi Panarin will also be in the final year of his contract, though his $11.6 million AAV and full no-movement clause are significant obstacles in the path of a trade. They could also attempt to move Filip Chytil, who lacks no-trade protection and carries an affordable $4.43 million AAV through 2026-27. However, his injury history could dampen his value in the trade market.
It’s easy to suggest the Rangers not re-sign Shesterkin but that leaves a big hole between the pipes that would be difficult to fill.
NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Brock Nelson is open to negotiating a contract extension during this season with the Islanders.
Nelson turns 33 during the first week of this season. Sears believes how the club handles the veteran center’s pending free agency will determine their future direction. They’ll need to determine how much to invest in him and for how long when he’s outperforming the traditional age curve for NHL forwards.
The Islanders could shop Nelson by the March 7 trade deadline. However, Sears only sees that happening if the club underperforms this season.
Nelson has been with the Islanders since 2010 and he doesn’t seem keen to leave. He carries a 16-team no-trade clause.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be worthwhile to monitor Nelson’s status and that of the Isles this season. He’ll draw lots of interest from playoff contenders in the trade market if the Isles peddle him before the deadline.
DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli predicts it’ll be “very, very expensive” for the Colorado Avalanche to sign Mikko Rantanen to a contract extension. He believes his next AAV “starts with a $12,” as in $12 million. Jason Gregor believes it’ll be $12.5 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen is one of the elite forwards in the league and a key player for the Avalanche. His current AAV is $9.25 million and he’s coming off two straight 100-plus point seasons. He is going to get a hefty raise on his next contract.