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The New Jersey Devils’ recent trade for Jacob Markstrom has opened up discussions about their goaltending future, especially with the possibility of signing Igor Shesterkin from the New York Rangers.
This could be a game-changing move for the Devils, but it would require careful planning and big sacrifices.
Over the past year, the New Jersey Devils have explored multiple options to strengthen their goaltending.
They started by trying to get Connor Hellebuyck, but they were linked to almost every top goalie in the league when that didn’t work out.
Rumors connected them to players like Juuse Saros, Linus Ullmark, John Gibson, and many others.
In the end, they traded for Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom—solid goalies who were more affordable and had reasonable contracts.
And it was undoubtedly a strategic move to choose Markstrom and Allen instead of pursuing a big-name goalie like Hellebuyck or Ullmark.
The Devils are trying to build a team with a good mix of experience and flexibility for future changes. While Markstrom is reliable, the Devils know they need a long-term solution in goal.
Igor Shesterkin is one of the best goalies in the NHL right now, but his future with the New York Rangers isn’t guaranteed.
As his contract expires, rumors suggest he’s asking for a record-breaking deal, possibly around $12 million per year.
While the Rangers want to keep him, if they can’t agree on a contract, the Devils might have a rare chance to sign him.
The New Jersey Devils currently have about $20 million in cap space, but this number is a bit misleading.
The Devils still need to re-sign key players like Luke Hughes and Dawson Mercer and fill other team spots, which will take up a lot of that money.
To afford Shesterkin, the Devils would have to make tough decisions, like possibly trading away players like Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat.
Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of signing Shesterkin are huge. Adding him to a team with stars like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Dougie Hamilton could make the Devils serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.
It would show that the Devils are ready to win now and for years to come.
Former NHL goalie Cory Schneider recently praised Igor Shesterkin, calling him the best goalie in the league.
Schneider compared Shesterkin to legendary goalies like Carey Price, Henrik Lundqvist, and Martin Brodeur for his excellent skating, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination.
Shesterkin’s performance backs up this high praise. Over the past three seasons, he has recorded 109 wins with a .921 save percentage, and his playoff performances have been equally impressive.
This year alone, he notched 36 wins, four shutouts, and a .912 save percentage. His ability to perform under pressure was evident during the Rangers’ playoff run, where he led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals.
To sign Shesterkin, the Devils would need to make significant roster changes. This might include moving on from some veteran players who, while valuable, do not fit into a cap structure comprising a $12 million-per-year goaltender.
The big question is whether the Devils are willing to make these sacrifices to secure a goalie who could be the cornerstone of their team for the next decade.
Moreover, the Devils must consider having Shesterkin and Markstrom on the roster.
While having two strong goalies could be beneficial, it would also create financial strain. The Devils might keep both for a year, providing a safety net as they transition to Shesterkin as their primary goaltender.
Ultimately, pursuing Shesterkin hinges on the Devils’ willingness to take a calculated risk.
Shesterkin’s talent is undeniable, and his addition to the Devils could elevate the team to new heights. However, the cost—both in terms of salary and potential roster upheaval—cannot be ignored.