The New York Rangers had a relatively uneventful summer. General manager Chris Drury didn’t make the high-profile acquisitions many anticipated at the start of free agency. Instead, he opted for a more measured and budget-conscious strategy, bringing in more affordable talent to strengthen the team for the 2024-25 season.
Drury’s cautious strategy this offseason might prove beneficial in the long run. The results of the upcoming season will influence their decisions for next summer, but the team is already gearing up for a record-breaking spending spree in the 2025 offseason.
The Rangers might offer a record-setting contract to their leading goalie.
Igor Shesterkin is expected to receive a significant payday next offseason, with reports indicating he’s seeking a major extension. The 28-year-old is aiming for a contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $12 million, which would make him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history.
If Shesterkin’s deal reaches $12 million, it would account for about 13% of the projected $92 million-$93 million salary cap for 2025. While accommodating such a substantial contract will be a challenge for General Manager Chris Drury, it’s a price they’re likely willing to pay to keep the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner. However, managing to fit Shesterkin’s contract along with the team’s other impending free agents under the cap will pose an even greater challenge.
Three additional emerging talents will also be looking for new contracts next summer.
In addition to Shesterkin, the Rangers face the challenge of managing several other crucial players who will be up for new contracts next offseason. This group includes breakout 22-year-old forward Alexis Lafreniere, standout defensemen K’Andre Miller and Ryan Lindgren, and emerging talents like Zac Jones, Will Cuylle, and Matt Rempe, among others.
Lafreniere and Miller are expected to command significant extensions, with their annual salaries potentially surpassing $8 million each if they continue their strong performance in the 2024-25 season. Combined, Shesterkin, Lafreniere, and Miller could secure contracts with an average annual value (AAV) exceeding $28 million.
Besides negotiating new deals for Shesterkin, Lafreniere, and Miller, the Rangers also need to address existing contracts. Jacob Trouba’s $8 million salary needs to be managed next summer, especially following a recent controversy that resulted in the team captain staying for an additional season.
The Rangers also have substantial commitments to Artemi Panarin, who has an AAV of $11.6 million until 2026, Mika Zibanejad at $8.5 million AAV until 2028, and Chris Kreider at $6.5 million AAV until 2027. The challenge will be determining how many large contracts they can afford to issue next summer.
General Manager Chris Drury will have a demanding task ahead. Balancing the retention of key players to maintain the Rangers’ championship prospects while planning for the future will require careful consideration to avoid overloading the team with high-paying, long-term contracts in a single offseason.