The Daily: Rangers Goalie Turns Down $88 Million; ‘Ned’ Improving

The price of elite NHL goaltending is going up. Way up. Hockey insider Kevin Weekes reported that New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin turned down an eight-year deal worth $88 million.

That contract would have made made him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. Carey Price holds the record for a goalie contract for his deal of $84 million over eight sesasons.

By comparison, the Red Wings are carrying three goalies at a total cost of $10.6 million. Ville Husso is the highest-paid at $4.75 million. Jeremy Swayman, Boston’s prize younger goalie, recently signed for an average $8.25 million annual salary for eight seasons.

It’s been suggested that Shesterkin wants a deal with average of more than $12 million from the Rangers. He is currently in the last season of a four-year deal that is paying him $5.667 million per season.

I do not know the source of Kevin Weekes’ information and I won’t speculate. But what possible benefit could NYR derive from leaking info that would turn their fan base against their franchise goaltender? The night before the season-opener, no less. I just don’t get it.

— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) October 9, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard won’t start playing for Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League until Saturday.

Former Red Wings player Jakub Vrana earned the final roster spot on the Washington Capitals.

Coach Derek Lalonde still hasn’t named a starting goalie for the Red Wings’ season opener.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit is home against the Pittsburgh Penguins for its 2024-25 season opener. With the Detroit Tigers playing a postseason game just a block away, the Red Wings have moved their start time to 8 p.m. The Red Wings are 1-1 in openers with Lalonde. They beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 in his coaching debut in 2022. Last season, they lost 4-3 to New Jersey.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Andrew Fantuccio writes that a disastrous first period resulted in an opening game loss to Florida. Boston Bruins.

Buffalo: Injured forwards JJ Peterka and Zach Benson are both listed now as day-to-day. Buffalo Sabres.

Philadelphia: Would Pierre Engvall be a quality acquisition for the Flyers? Jonathan Bailey weighs in on that subject. Philadelphia Flyers

Pittsburgh: Bryan Rust and Alex Nedeljkovic have taken the next step in their recovery from injury. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Goalie Jaroslav Askarov really doesn’t have a problem starting the season the AHL. San Jose Sharks.