Igor Shesterkin Confirmed to Start Against Golden Knights; Contract Talks Loom

Igor Shesterkin will defend the road net for the New York Rangers against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, confirmed by his morning skate routine. Shesterkin is a consistent, elite performer, crucial to the Rangers' 2022 and 2024 playoff runs. Heading into 2024-25, he seeks a max-money contract extension, aiming to become the NHL's highest-paid netminder, though negotiations are not expected to impact his on-ice performance. His 2022-23 season saw a 2.48 GAA, .916 SV%, and 37-13-8 record, considered a "down year" yet still top-5. He had a historic 2021-22 season with a league-leading 2.07 GAA and .935 SV%, 36 wins, 6 shutouts, winning the Vezina Trophy and finishing third in Hart Trophy voting. Backed by Jonathan Quick, he has a clear path to 60 games. Shesterkin's earlier career included a 16-14-3 record in 2020-21 with a groin injury, and dominant KHL performances with SKA Saint Petersburg, including a 1.11 GAA and .953 SV% in 2018-19.